Southwest
Texas school district adopts policy that teachers must use pronouns consistent with students' biological sex
A school district in Texas has adopted a new controversial policy on student pronouns, requiring teachers to refer to students by pronouns consistent with their biological sex.
The Keller Independent School District’s new policy changes state that educators must use pronouns consistent with the student’s birth certificate, regardless of whether the student wishes to use different pronouns, according to Fox 4.
Under the revision approved by the school board on Thursday night, parents will also be notified if a student wants to use a name or pronoun different from what is consistent with their birth certificate.
For a student to use a different name or pronoun, their parents must provide a written notification to the school.
CHICAGO SCHOOLS’ SEX ED CURRICULUM TEACHES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS ABOUT GENDER IDENTITY, PUBERTY BLOCKERS
The Keller Independent School District’s new policy changes state that educators must use pronouns consistent with the student’s birth certificate. (iStock)
Before the new changes, the district’s policy said educators could not promote or require the use of pronouns inconsistent with a student’s biological sex.
This comes amid a national debate in schools and governments across the country over whether students should be referred to by their preferred name and pronouns without parental knowledge. Last year, Katy ISD in Texas adopted a similar policy requiring parental notification.
Some Republican-led states have moved to pass legislation requiring that parents be notified if their child wants to use a different name or pronoun to protect parental rights, while some Democrat-led states oppose such a requirement by arguing that doing so could harm LGBTQ+ students.
The American Civil Liberties Union had sent a letter of concern to the district warning trustees not to approve the policies, claiming they were unlawful and discriminatory.
But the board unanimously approved the new policies.
Parents must be notified if a student wants to use a name or pronoun different from what is consistent with their birth certificate. (iStock)
Several students and parents criticized the district’s new policy during the public comment section of a recent school board meeting, according to Fox 4 and NBC 5.
“Every day I walk into a school and myself and my peers are suffering. It seems like more and more the school district is prioritizing budget cuts and a political agenda over the health of its students,” Keller ISD senior Kennedy Schultz said.
Another senior, Madison Hickman, told district officials: “You’ve created an environment where fear and isolation might just become the norm for our most vulnerable students. I hope this brings you the kind of community you’re striving for, one where conformity is valued over compassion. Hate is not a Keller ISD value.”
Parent Mary Anne Weatherred, who has teenagers in the district, said she shared students’ concerns that a child could be “outed” and endure problems with their parents who may not be accepting.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS BREAKS CONSENSUS OF MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENT ON TRANSGENDER CARE
Several students and parents criticized the district’s new policy. (ALLISON DINNER/AFP via Getty Images)
“Not everybody’s families are the same and not everybody’s families are going to accept kids exploring their gender identity and it’s going to make a difficult home situation for them,” Weatherred said. “They find a school to be a space where they can use a different name, a different pronoun and figure out who they are.”
But another parent, Marissa Bryce, said while she understands the concerns some people have about the policy change, she supports the revision.
“I think that it’s a good starting point. Parents need to know what’s going on with their school, they need to know what their kids are thinking,” Bryce said.
Read the full article from Here
A Southern California bakery owner is warning other business owners after she was targeted in an elaborate counterfeit check scam.
Loria Stern, the owner of Eat Your Flowers bakery in Highland Park, has been running her business for 12 years. Throughout that time, Stern said she’s seen her fair share of scams, but this latest scheme truly surprised her.
It began in early August when she was contacted by email asking for an order of 1,000 cupcakes.
The scammer, someone named “Zoe Madison,” said she didn’t want to pay with a credit card or through mobile payment apps, so she sent a check for $7,560 instead.
When Sterns cashed the check at the bank, it initially cleared so she began working on the large cupcake order.
“There were a lot of specific details in the emails going back and forth with her that really made me believe that this order was happening,” Stern said.
-
The check that was sent by the scammer that Loria Stern successfully cashed before later discovering the check was counterfeit. (Loria Stern) -
Loria Stern, owner of Eat Your Flowers bakery in Highland Park, speaks to KTLA’s Rachel Menitoff on August 23, 2024. (KTLA) -
Eat Your Flowers bakery in Highland Park. (KTLA) -
Loria Stern, owner of Eat Your Flowers bakery in Highland Park, prepares a batch of cupcakes on August 23, 2024. (KTLA) -
The second email from the scammer asking for an order change and a refund two days before the scheduled pick-up date. (Loria Stern) -
Loria Stern’s reply to the scammer telling her the custom order could not be altered anymore. (Loria Stern) -
Loria Stern, owner of Eat Your Flowers bakery in Highland Park, prepares a batch of cupcakes on August 23, 2024. (KTLA)
However, two days before the scheduled pick-up, she received another email from the suspect saying she needed to revise the cupcake order “due to budget constraints.” She wanted Stern to cut the bakery order in half and refund the difference in cost.
Stern told the customer that wasn’t an option as the order was a custom one.
“The next day, 24 hours before she was supposed to pick up the cupcakes, the funds were withdrawn from my account and it was cited as a counterfeit check,” she recalled.
Stern called the company listed on the check — Peak Trading Corporation located in upstate New York.
Their accountant told her that 15 other small business owners, specifically within the service industry, had also called with the exact same complaint.
Lou Rabin, a cybersecurity expert, said scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and able to circumvent any red flags raised by potential victims.
“AI is really changing the game,” Rabin said. “It’s the reason that the English on these emails is impeccable. They’re very persuasive, so business owners really need to understand and have a process for processing orders and verifying your customers.”
As for Stern, she hopes that by sharing her story, she’s able to prevent another business owner from falling prey.
“This was just a really advanced and a really intricate scam,” she said. “I have a feeling this is their full-time job. They’re doing these elaborate scams to different businesses and I guarantee they’re making money.”
Rabin said it’s important to verify every customer before conducting any large transactions and when possible, speak to a live person over the phone and verify information with an online search.
A vigil was held Friday night marking one year after a deadly mass shooting took place at Cook’s Corner bar in Trabuco Canyon.
Three people were killed and six others were wounded when retired Ventura Police Sgt. John Snowling opened fire inside and outside the bar on Aug. 23, 2023.
Snowling, who authorities said went to the bar to target his estranged wife, died in a gunbattle with Orange County sheriff’s deputies. His wife was wounded but survived.
Body cam footage released by the Sheriff’s Department showed the moments leading up to the deadly shootout with Snowling, including emergency dispatch audio from 911 calls reporting the sounds of gunshots and the chaos of people fleeing the bar.
Security camera footage captured Snowling opening fire on a crowd of unsuspecting people, running after them and firing from two pistols he carried simultaneously.
Following the shooting, a memorial to the victims, 53-year-old Glen Sprowl of Stanton, 49-year-old Tonya Clark of Scottsdale and 67-year-old John Leehee of Irvine, sat outside the bar.
-
A memorial to the Cook’s Corner mass shooting victims is seen on Sept. 1, 2023. (KTLA) -
The mass shooting scene at Cook’s Corner in Orange County is seen on Aug. 23, 2023. (OnScene.TV) -
CCTV footage shows John Snowling firing at patrons outside of Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, California on Aug. 23, 2023. (OCSD) -
Body worn camera footage shows Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies surrounding Cook’s Corner gunman John Snowling after he had been fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire with deputies on Aug. 23, 2023. (OCSD) -
Authorities responded after several people were shot at Cook’s Corner, a biker bar in Trabuco Canyon on August 23, 2023. (OnScene.TV) -
Investigators scour the scene of a mass shooting in Trabuco Canyon on Aug. 24, 2023, a day after the massacre. (KTLA) -
Body worn camera footage shows Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies surrounding Cook’s Corner gunman John Snowling after he had been fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire with deputies on Aug. 23, 2023. (OCSD) -
Lisa, only first name given, grieves after placing flowers near the scene of a mass shooting at Cook’s Corner, a biker bar in rural Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) -
Orange County mass shooting victims Tonya Clark and John Leehee are seen in photos released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Aug. 25, 2023.
-
A motorcycle caravan attended a community gathering and prayer held in a Lake Forest church to honor the victims killed in a mass shooting at Cook’s Corner bar on Aug. 25, 2023. (KTLA) -
A vigil for the three people who lost their lives at a mass shooting at Cook’s Corner on Aug. 23, 2023, was held on Sept. 6, 2023, at Library of the Canyons in Orange County. (KTLA) -
Patrons inside Cook’s Corner on Sept. 1, 2023, nine days after the deadly mass shooting that killed 3 people. (KTLA) -
Authorities responded after several people were shot at Cook’s Corner, a biker bar in Trabuco Canyon on August 23, 2023. (OnScene.TV) -
Authorities responded after several people were shot at Cook’s Corner, a biker bar in Trabuco Canyon on August 23, 2023. (OnScene.TV) -
Mike Bertuccini, seen here recovering after being seriously wounded on Aug. 23, 2023, in a mass shooting that claimed the lives of four people, including the gunman, at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon. -
The M Street Band on stage at the Biergarten in Huntington Beach on Sept. 3, 2023, to raise money for the victims of the Cook’s Corner mass shooting. (KTLA) -
Hundreds attended a community gathering and prayer held in a Lake Forest church to honor the victims killed in a mass shooting at Cook’s Corner bar on Aug. 25, 2023. (KTLA) -
Hundreds attended a community gathering and prayer held in a Lake Forest church to honor the victims killed in a mass shooting at Cook’s Corner bar on Aug. 25, 2023. (KTLA) -
A motorcycle caravan attended a community gathering and prayer held in a Lake Forest church to honor the victims killed in a mass shooting at Cook’s Corner bar on Aug. 25, 2023. (KTLA) -
This aerial photo shows Cook’s Corner, the scene of a mass shooting, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) -
The popular biker bar, Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, held a candlelight vigil on August 23, 2024, marking the one year anniversary of a deadly mass shooting. (KTLA) -
The popular biker bar, Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, held a candlelight vigil on August 23, 2024, marking the one year anniversary of a deadly mass shooting. (KTLA) -
Authorities investigate a deadly shooting at Cook’s Corner in Orange County on Aug. 23, 2023. (OnScene.TV)
Community members gathered at the popular bar and restaurant on Friday night to mark one year since the deadly shooting. Many patrons who witnessed the terrifying scenes still remember the fear they felt.
Dave Stretch was playing with his M Street rock cover band at the bar when the gunman opened fire.
“It was the reaction of the room that finally made me think, ‘Oh my gosh. This is real,’” he said.
Stretch was shot on his lower right side near his hip and said it felt like being struck hard with a baseball bat.
“I didn’t see [Snowling] turn around and take a couple of shots at the band,” Stretch said of the frantic moment. “The guitar player was hit and I was hit.”
Cook’s Corner now has a memorial window and a special memorial table to honor the victims.
-
A memorial table honoring the victims of the deadly 2023 mass shooting at Cook’s Corner bar in Trabuco Canyon. (KTLA) -
The popular biker bar, Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, held a candlelight vigil on August 23, 2024, marking the one year anniversary of a deadly mass shooting. (KTLA) -
The popular biker bar, Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, held a candlelight vigil on August 23, 2024, marking the one year anniversary of a deadly mass shooting. (KTLA) -
The popular biker bar, Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, held a candlelight vigil on August 23, 2024, marking the one year anniversary of a deadly mass shooting. (KTLA) -
Authorities responded after several people were shot at Cook’s Corner, a biker bar in Trabuco Canyon on August 23, 2023. (OnScene.TV)
“Just the amount of pain and suffering this one individual could cause at such a beautiful place is disgusting,” said Rhonda Palmeri, the bar’s general manager.
“It’s one of those things that makes you say, ‘Man, everybody’s full of life one minute and then you hit this terrible event,’” said Mark Johnson, a band member and witness. “It just reminds you how fast life can change.”
In 2026, Cook’s Corner will celebrate 100 years in business. Many patrons told KTLA the bar’s endurance speaks to the immense connection and resilience of the community and patrons who feel more like family.
A candlelight vigil and prayer service will be held at the bar on Friday night.
Southwest
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to address America on Friday about the 'present historical moment and his path forward'
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. plans to address the nation about his path forward in the presidential race Friday from Phoenix.
Kennedy’s press secretary, Stefanie Spear, posted the announcement about “the present historic moment and his path forward” on social media on Wednesday afternoon.
The announcement comes after Kennedy’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, blasted Democrats on Tuesday, saying she “fully supports” a role for Kennedy in a future Trump administration. Shanahan also hinted that they could end their campaign and back former President Trump.
Coincidentally, Trump is holding an Arizona rally on Friday in Glendale, which is about 20 minutes from Phoenix.
RFK JR.’S RUNNING MATE SAYS DEMOCRATS ‘OBSTRUCTED A FAIR ELECTION,’ ‘FULLY SUPPORTS’ WORKING WITH TRUMP
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks during the Freedom Fest at the Caesars Forum Conference Center in Las Vegas. (Daniel Jacobi II/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Kennedy’s camp seeking confirmation on whether Kennedy is planning to drop out of the presidential race, as reported by ABC News from sources.
The same sources cautioned the station, saying Kennedy’s decision has not been finalized and could change. One source also reportedly told the station Kennedy hopes to finalize his decision quickly and slow down momentum built during the Democratic National Convention.
FOX Business Network’s Grady Trimble spoke to Trump in Asheboro, North Carolina on Wednesday, asking the former president if he had spoken to Kennedy over the past 24 hours, amid reports that he was going to drop out of the race by the end of the week.
“I haven’t, but I respect him. I’ve respected him for a long time. I mean, I know where he’s coming from and it’s a little different philosophy. Very smart guy, however. And I had heard he was thinking about it for a period of time, but no, I have not heard this,” Trump said.
Trimble also asked Trump if he was going to have Kennedy on stage with him in Arizona, as both candidates are set to hold events near Phoenix on Friday.
“I would always be honored to. I mean, if he endorsed me, would I be honored by that? Absolutely,” Trump said.
JOE ROGAN DENIES ENDORSING RFK JR. FOR PRESIDENT, SAYS HE ONLY MEANT TO SAY HE LIKES HIM ‘AS A PERSON’
Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks at a press conference in Philadelphia. (Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images)
Shortly before the announcement on Wednesday, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, Kennedy’s daughter-in-law and campaign manager, emailed campaign staff.
“For the last 19 months (22 months for the original core), this team — this family — has worked seven days a week, ten plus hours a day, in blizzards and blazing heat, sacrificing family time, personal commitments, and any hope of sleep, in service to our shared vision for this country,” she wrote. “Never, in all these months, has Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sidestepped his movement to communicate his heart through back-channel leaks. Nor would he ever, especially in this most consequential moment for us all. So please, hold tight until you hear directly from him.”
When the campaign began, Fox Kennedy explained, none of the national leaders were discussing chronic disease or the “corporate capture of our government.”
“What I can tell you is this. Bobby has been in a period of deep discernment. It has been clear to him for some weeks now that our movement will decide the future of the country,” she wrote. “Any path forward changes the outcome. With calcified support on both sides of the aisle, this 10+% of the electorate is the only molten force in the race. And as the leader carving the path to which we flow, Bobby feels the weight of that responsibility, shifting, as he is, the very landscape of American history.”
Fox Kennedy asked her team to “keep an open mind” and “not believe everything” they hear, adding there are several potential paths forward, not just two.
RFK JR. DISQUALIFIED FROM NEW YORK BALLOT, USED ‘SHAM’ ADDRESS FOR RESIDENCY, JUDGE RULES
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump. (Getty Images)
Over the course of the last year, Kennedy’s polling numbers have caved in. Earlier in the campaign, he had double digits, but according to the latest Fox News national poll, he is in the single digits.
While Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris both have 45% of the vote, Kennedy appears to only have 6%.
Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, was asked about Kennedy joining forces with the Trump campaign on Wednesday morning during an appearance on “Fox and Friends.”
“I think it would be good for the campaign,” Vance said. “I’ve never talked to RFK about this, but my pitch to him and to a lot of his voters would be the Democratic Party of my grandparents that supported his uncle. John F. Kennedy for president has been completely abandoned by the modern leadership of the Democratic Party.”
CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
He continued, saying the old Democratic Party believed in strong borders, building and making things in America, and strong national security.
“This modern Democratic Party is focused on division,” Vance said. “It’s focused on putting people into racial and gender buckets, and then using those divisions for political power, and it doesn’t believe in anything common sense like American manufacturing or a strong American border.”
Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
Read the full article from Here
River Falls Opens Season with Win over Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln – OnFocus
New West Virginia channel catfish record gets public pushback after coming from private pond – Outdoor News
Food Bank of Wyoming celebrates 20 years
Prediction: Solana Will Be the First Cryptocurrency to Get a Spot ETF in 2025 | The Motley Fool
PBOC’s Pan Says Financial Risks in Key Areas are Being Resolved
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
At least 2 dead as tornadoes hit Alabama, damage homes across Southeast
With 13 days until voting starts, 'election season' kicks off sooner than you think
French police officer injured in synagogue arson attack
CNN anchor calls RFK Jr. endorsing Trump 'huge' based on swing state polls: 'It is everything'
2024 showdown: What happens next in the Kamala Harris-Donald Trump face-off
Solingen stabbing: Three killed in attack at Germany festival
-
Minnesota6 days agoReaders and writers: Plenty of thrills and danger in these Minnesota author’s mysteries
-
Politics1 week agoHarris dodging flip-flop attacks as faceless surrogates flip on key positions: 'Playing politics'
-
News1 week agoVideo: Biden and Harris Announce Deal to Lower Drug Prices
-
Politics1 week agoBiden jokes about impending exit from the White House: 'Looking for a job'
-
News1 week agoHalf Their Land Burned in a Decade: The California Counties Constantly on Fire
-
Politics1 week agoTrump assassination attempt: Secret Service makes big change to former president's outdoor rally security
-
Fitness1 week agoA Guide to Pottruck Health and Fitness Center
-
News1 week agoAI is changing video games — and striking performers want their due