NEWS
Day Of Silence: Advocates And Students Speak Out For LGBTQ Rights
After nearly three decades of holding annual silent protests to raise awareness for LGBTQ rights, students across the nation are speaking out Friday spurred by the recent spate of laws aimed at limiting the rights and visibility of LGBTQ Americans.
This year, for the first time, the “Day of Silence” – a yearly event where students take a vow of silence to symbolise the impact of homophobia and the LGBTQ voices that are marginalised by bullying – will morph into a day of action called the “Day of (NO) Silence.”
Students Speak Out For LGBTQ Rights
GLSEN, an LGBTQ education and advocacy organisation that works to end intolerance and homophobia in schools, helps organise the student-led demonstrations each year. Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, executive director of the organisation, said from now on the event will encourage students to use their voice to speak out against bigotry and homophobia.
“The imperative to take action has never been greater,” Willingham-Jaggers said. “Instead of observing silence, we are embracing a proactive stance with the Day of (NO) Silence by rising up and taking action.”
Students are encouraged to share their own stories, register to vote and write their representatives to demand changes to Title IX that would further protect LGBTQ youth. GLSEN said students who feel unsafe or uncomfortable speaking out also have the option to silently protest.
In 2023,at least 510 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in state legislatures, according to data from the American Civil Liberties Union. The organisation is currently tracking more than480 bills that restrict LGBTQ rights in the 2024 legislative session.
In 2022, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, which has since been dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law because it prohibited classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in all grades.
Originally, the law only prohibited classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade, but in 2023 the Florida Department of Education approved a proposed rule that would expand that prohibition to all grade levels.
Last month, a legal settlement clarified the scope of law and said students and teachers can discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, as long as it is not part of formal instruction.
Cameron Driggers, a 19-year-old gay freshman at the University of Florida, said he feels compelled to speak out because of the “Don’t Say Gay” law, not only for himself but others.
Driggers said the anti-LGBTQ laws are “like having a target on your back and knowing that you are the ‘other.’” I just don’t accept that,” he said. “It certainly doesn’t feel safe or comfortable living in a state that constantly targets my people, like me and my community.”
But, he added, the Day of (NO) Silence helps him to feel hopeful. I’m able to see a future that is much more, that’s progressive and actually works for all Floridians, Driggers said. Driggers said he plans to join other activists in Orlando Friday to discuss how they can mobilise for LGBTQ rights.
“I continue to organise and empower young people to find hope in themselves so that they know that what they’re fighting for is possible and achievable,” he said.
Kai, a 13-year-old transgender middle school student in neighbouring South Carolina, told CNN they have faced bullying for over a year and it’s taken a toll on their mental health – so much so that they transferred schools.
Kai said they were unaware of the Day of Silence campaign and that if their school held an event,it would give LGBTQ students some much-needed support.
“The fact that our school has never made [us] aware, for queer rights … It breaks my heart,” Kai said. Kai’s mother, Amanda, said she’s also worried about her child’s safety and asked CNN not to use their last name. The family has even considered moving from the state out of fear. “Everybody right now in the United States is very afraid to send their children to school because of school shootings and things of that nature,” Amanda said.
“When you have an openly queer child, you add to that fear. Think about poor Nex [Benedict] … I’m so terrified that I’m gonna be that next parent that gets that phone call.”
Nex Benedict, a nonbinary high school 10th grader in Oklahoma, died the day after they told their family they were involved in a fight at school. Willingham-Jaggers said she’s heard from many educators and students who are embracing the pivot away from silence to action during this year’s protest.
LGBTQ+ students have been silenced for too long,” Willingham-Jaggers said. “We’ve seen tens of thousands of students participate and we’re expecting this year to be our biggest year in recent history.
Reading Time: 2 minutesIran’s Preeminent Chief, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is supposedly unwell, starting conversations about who will succeed him. At 85 years of age, Khamenei is said to have chosen to step down, picking his child, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the following Incomparable Pioneer. This advancement has caused critical discussion and hypothesis inside Iran and all over the planet.
On September 26, 2024, a gathering of the Get together of Specialists, a 60-part body liable for choosing Iran’s Preeminent Chief, was met at Khamenei’s solicitation. During the meeting, the gathering was approached to go with a secret and quick choice in regards to the initiative change. Reports propose that Mojtaba was collectively picked as the replacement. Notwithstanding, a few individuals communicated disappointment with the choice and the cycle, charging they were compelled into understanding, with cases of pressure and even dangers.
Mojtaba Khamenei was brought into the world in 1969 in Mashhad and is the second child of Ayatollah Khamenei. He concentrated on religious philosophy under his dad and other persuasive pastors and in the long run turned into an educator at the Qom theological college, where he keeps on instructing today. Mojtaba is hitched to Zahra Haddad-Adel, and several has three kids. His connections to the strict and political first class in Iran make him an eminent figure in the country’s initiative scene.
Throughout the long term, Mojtaba has confronted analysis and debate for his political inclusion. He assumed a significant part in supporting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during the official decisions in 2005 and 2009. After Ahmadinejad’s triumph in 2009, far and wide fights emitted, and Mojtaba was supposedly associated with driving endeavors to smother these exhibits. Notwithstanding, his relationship with Ahmadinejad later decayed when the previous president blamed Mojtaba for stealing state reserves, which spoiled his picture.
While Mojtaba’s choice as the following Preeminent Pioneer appears to line up with his dad’s desires, it has not been without challenges. The Gathering of Specialists, however to a great extent stately, is supposed to assume a part in endorsing authority changes. Reports demonstrate disagree among individuals about Mojtaba’s reasonableness for the position, raising worries about his capacity to lead Iran actually and join its different groups. Pundits likewise question whether his impact and assets, supposedly significant, are adequate to guarantee a smooth progress.
Mojtaba’s potential authority brings blended responses. Allies contend that he offers progression and offers his dad’s vision for Iran. Pundits, notwithstanding, dread that his questionable history and absence of more extensive political experience could extend existing divisions inside the country’s political foundation. Some additionally stress over the authenticity of his arrangement, given the mystery and strain encompassing the choice cycle.
As Iran gets ready for a potential initiative change, the world watches intently. The choice to name Mojtaba as Preeminent Pioneer could have extensive results, molding Iran’s homegrown and worldwide arrangements for quite a long time into the future. While the change stays questionable, it is without a doubt a critical crossroads in the nation’s set of experiences.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Veterans Day, observed every year on November 11 in the United States, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, this observance began in 1919, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. On that date, major hostilities ceased with the signing of an armistice between Germany and the Allied forces, marking a hopeful turning point for peace after a prolonged and devastating conflict. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month became symbolic of the day’s meaning. Other countries, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, also observe the end of World War I through Remembrance Day on the same date.
In 1926, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution asking President Calvin Coolidge to issue annual proclamations for national observance on November 11, recognizing the sacrifices made for peace. This act led to a federal declaration in 1938, making November 11 a national holiday known as Armistice Day, specifically honoring those who fought in World War I. However, following the large-scale participation of American soldiers in World War II and the Korean War, a broader recognition was proposed by Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran from Birmingham, Alabama. Weeks advocated for a day that would honor all U.S. veterans, not just those who had served in World War I. He organized the first national celebration for veterans in 1947, earning him later recognition as the “Father of Veterans Day.”
In 1954, with bipartisan support in Congress and backed by major veterans’ organizations, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill officially renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The holiday was then intended to honor all veterans who have served in the military, whether during peacetime or wartime, marking a broader tribute to those who contributed to the nation’s security and freedoms. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in military service, and from Armed Forces Day in May, which recognizes active military personnel.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, passed in 1968, shifted several federal holidays, including Veterans Day, to Mondays to provide a three-day weekend. However, the decision to change Veterans Day’s date proved unpopular, as many felt it lost its historical significance. In 1978, the holiday returned to its original date, November 11, emphasizing its roots in commemorating the end of World War I. Today, if November 11 falls on a weekend, government employees may observe the holiday on the closest weekday.
On Veterans Day, federal offices and many schools are closed, and numerous parades and ceremonies honor veterans nationwide. The holiday serves as a time for Americans to express gratitude and acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who served. Traditionally, two minutes of silence are encouraged at 2:11 p.m. EST to reflect on veterans’ service and the price of peace.
The official spelling, “Veterans Day,” uses no apostrophe, as it is intended as a day to honor all veterans rather than denote ownership. Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the strength and unity of a nation that respects and remembers its defenders, symbolizing both the enduring peace achieved through shared sacrifice and the respect owed to all who have served.
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe New York Times Mini Crossword offers a fun, quick, and accessible daily puzzle, ideal for busy individuals or anyone needing a short mental break. On October 31, the Mini Crossword provides a playful set of clues that vary in difficulty, allowing it to be solved in just a few minutes. Known for being a smaller, quicker alternative to the full NYT Crossword, the Mini has gained popularity among both seasoned puzzlers and newcomers looking for a manageable challenge.
The October 31st puzzle brings a hint of Halloween spirit with clues that subtly nod to the holiday. Clues like “Halloween costume with a cardboard box and aluminum foil” add a seasonal flair, making the puzzle more engaging for solvers. For those who enjoy puzzles but lack the time for a full NYT Crossword, the Mini offers the perfect alternative. This bite-sized puzzle can often be completed in under five minutes, making it ideal for a short break in a busy day.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Tips
The Mini Crossword was created to offer a more approachable crossword experience. While the full NYT Crossword Puzzle may require broad knowledge and be time-consuming, the Mini is designed to be simpler and more accessible. With straightforward vocabulary and familiar clues, many people can solve the Mini without needing to look up answers. Available daily online and free to play, it provides non-subscribers a taste of the NYT’s famous puzzle section. For those who enjoy the Mini and want more challenges, a subscription to the New York Times Games section gives access to archived Mini Crosswords, plus other popular games like Wordle and Spelling Bee.
The first clue in today’s Mini Crossword, “Hybrid equine animal with stripes,” leads to the answer “ZORSE,” a cross between a zebra and a horse. This type of unique term is a staple of the Mini Crossword, bringing a touch of trivia that puzzle fans enjoy. Another clue, “Fingers crossed!” with the answer “IHOPE,” reflects the Mini’s light-hearted style, making it approachable and fun for all solvers. Unlike the full NYT Crossword, which may include more formal and challenging clues, the Mini has a casual tone that appeals to a broad audience.
The down clues in today’s puzzle also capture the Mini’s playful essence. “Zippo, nada, nothin’” has the answer “ZILCH,” a colloquial term for nothing. This sort of everyday language is common in crosswords, providing moments of recognition and relatability. Another down clue, “Catherine of ‘Beetlejuice,’” answers “OHARA,” a nod to actress Catherine O’Hara and a favorite for Halloween fans. Pop culture references like these make the Mini Crossword feel both current and nostalgic, resonating with solvers who enjoy little cultural nods.
The Mini Crossword is just one of the many games available in the New York Times Games section, which also features Wordle, Spelling Bee, and Sudoku. While the Mini Crossword is relatively easy, other games in the section offer adjustable difficulty levels, allowing players to pick something that fits their mood or skill level. The variety has made the Times’ Games section a popular online destination for people looking to relax and engage their minds.
Crosswords, even small ones like the Mini, provide cognitive benefits. Research suggests that regular puzzle-solving can improve memory, expand vocabulary, and stimulate the brain in ways that may help to prevent cognitive decline. Completing a daily Mini Crossword offers a quick mental workout without the large time commitment of a bigger puzzle. This makes the Mini an appealing addition to daily routines, providing a manageable yet challenging activity that exercises the brain in meaningful ways.
Solving today’s Mini Crossword brings a sense of satisfaction familiar to any crossword lover. Filling in each answer and watching the grid fill up is a small but rewarding accomplishment. Unlike the full-sized NYT Crossword, which can take a dedicated hour or more to finish, the Mini is designed for completion in just a few minutes, creating a satisfying moment in the day. This makes the Mini ideal for busy people, students, and anyone who enjoys the sense of satisfaction that comes with solving a puzzle but may not have time for a long session.
The NYT Mini Crossword’s short length and approachable difficulty make it popular with a wide range of players, from avid crossword enthusiasts to people who are new to puzzles. Each puzzle provides an opportunity to think outside the box, learn new words, and discover interesting trivia. Today’s October 31 puzzle includes a few Halloween-themed clues but is ultimately designed to appeal to diverse interests and backgrounds, making it a puzzle that anyone can enjoy.
Today’s puzzle, like all Mini Crosswords, highlights how enjoyable it is to solve a well-crafted, accessible puzzle. Though small, the Mini Crossword has developed a loyal following among those who love crosswords, word games, and anyone who enjoys a brief but engaging mental challenge. Whether you’re a long-time puzzle solver or a newcomer, the Mini Crossword is a daily treat that brings the fun of puzzle-solving to anyone with a few minutes to spare.
Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani Indicted in New York on Bribery Charges
Israel-Gaza War Lebanon, Hezbollah Agree to U.S. Ceasefire Proposal
Bomb Cyclone to Bring Rain, Snow, and High Winds to West Coast
-
Entertainment7 months agoZendaya and Tom Holland kiss at The London Challengers premiere.
-
Entertainment7 months agoZendaya Opens Up About Racy Scenes and Family Reactions in New Film
-
Health Care7 months agoWHO Scientist Urges Monitoring & Prep For Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu
-
Health Care9 months agoPink Eye(Conjunctivitis): What Is Commonly MISDIAGNOSED As PINK EYE?
-
NEWS7 months agoIs Trump Going To Jail? Your Questions About Trump’s Trial Answered
-
Entertainment6 months ago2023 Miss USA Resignations: Tip of the Iceberg, Insiders Say
-
Entertainment7 months agoZendaya Is Proud Of How Tom Holland Has Handled His Career
-
Blog9 months agoGoogle’s Layoffs Amid Record Profits: A Glimpse into AI’s Impact on the Workforce