Latest news with #HB10
Miami Herald
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Greg Cote's Hot Button Top 10: Panthers 1 win away, Messi tie, U.S. Open, Durant, Fins culture-reboot
GREG COTE'S HOT BUTTON TOP 10 (JUNE 15): WHAT IN SPORTS HAS GRABBED US THIS WEEK: Happy Father's Day my fellow padres! Our Sunday Hot Button Top 10 notes column brings you what's on our minds, locally and nationally but from a Miami perspective and accentuating stuff that's big, weird, damnable, funny or otherwise worth needling as the sports week just past pivots to the week ahead. Welcome to the 107th edition of your HB10: 1. PANTHERS: Marchand lifts Cats one win from second straight Stanley Cup: Brad Marchand's two goals sparked Saturday night's 5-2 Game 5 win in Edmonton for a 3-2 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final -- and a chance to win the Cup on home ice Tuesday night ... or face a Game 7 in Edmonton. Marchand became the first Marchand player in NHL history to score at least five goals in two separate Stanley Cup Finals with two different teams. He also scred five goals in seven games for Boston in 2011 to beat Vancouver. Asked what the 2011 Marchand would think of this Marchand still doing it at 37, he said, 'Man, that guy's good-looking. That'd probably be it. Sometimes you get bounces, sometimes you don't.' 2. INTER MIAMI: Team Messi settles for tie as FIFA Club World Cup begins: Inter Miami and Lionel Messi settled for a 0-0 draw with Egyptian power Al Ahly on Saturday night, with goalkeeper Oscar Ustari saving Miami from an embarrassing defeat. A near-sellout crowd of just over 60,000 filled Hard Rock Stadium as thousands of tickets were sold cheap to pad attendance amid fears of U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) presence at games and threat of arrests of immigrant fans Up next in Cup group play, Inter Miami will m set to take on Portugal's Porto FC in Atlanta this coming Thursday afternoon. 3. GOLF: OAKMONT WINNING U.S. OPEN AS PLAYERS STRUGGLE: Sam Burns at 4 under par leads J.J. Spaun and Adam Scott by one shot each entering Sunday's final round of a U.S. open in which only four golfers have beaten par on the difficult Oakmont course in western Pennsylvania. Burns and Spaun are after their first career major win. Scott won the 2013 Masters but has not won a major since. Pre-tournament betting favorite Scottie Scheffler is tied for 11th at plus 4, eight shots back. Sunday miracle, anyone? 4. NBA: Indy Thunder-struck by SGA; OKC back in Finals command: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bucketed 35 points to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder into a 2-2 NBA Finals tie with the Indiana Pacers. OKC, favored going in, now seems back in control, with Game 5 Monday night and a Game 7, if needed, both in the Sooner State. Thunder is now a clear Finals fave at -590 via FanDuel and -450 at DraftKings. Both have SGA out front as Finals MVP. 5. SOCCER: 1 year 'til World Cup, woes mount for U.S., Pochettino: One-year countdown is on for '26 FIFA World Cup being hosted by U.S., Canada and Mexico. Team USA is in automatically as host, but USMNT is mired in four-game losing streak under new coach Mauricio Pochettino and was booed off the field in Nashville after a 4-0 friendly loss to Switzerland in a last tuneup for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is underway at 12 U.S. stadiums and in Vancouver. Desperate for a good show, U.S. opens today (Sunday evening) vs. Trinidad & Tobago -- but sans several stars including Christian Pulisic who are regrettably not competing in the Gold Cup. Pulisic was blistered for a recent social media post that said, 'Just what the doctor ordered' as he enjoyed a family vacation. 6. HEAT: Will fourth time be a charm for Miami and Durant?: Pat Riley has tried (and tried, and tried) to acquire Kevin Durant over the years, and try No. 4 may be in works as rebuilding Phoenix shops its aging superstar. Durant turns 37 in September but averaged 26.6 points this season in a LeBron-esque defiance of time. And ESPN reported Saturday night that K.D.'s preferred trade destinations are Miami, San Antonio and Houston, the order not given. The Spurs are the betting favorite to land him. 7. DOLPHINS: Fins tout new and improved 'culture' as offseason wraps: Miami's three-day minicamp this past week put a bow on offseason work, now the countdown begins to the start of full preseason training camp expected the week of July 21. Coach Mike McDaniel's minicamp messaging hit hard on the notion of a new and improved Dolphins 'culture' ... a de facto admission that said culture had eroded across his first three seasons in charge. 8. NFL: Latest trouble in the troubled life of Antonio Brown: A too-long list of legal, domestic and financial issues dogged Miami-born former star receiver Antonio Brown in an NFL career that ended in 2021. Now, nearing his 37th birthday, Brown faces his biggest trouble yet. Miami police have issued a warrant for his arrest on a charge of second-degree attempted murder with a firearm after a May shooting at a celebrity boxing event. Brown reportedly is out of the country in the Asia or the Middle East. Videos posted on social media appear to show Brown being jumped by trying to steal his jewelry. Stay tuned. 9. WNBA: Caitlin does Caitlin things in return from injury: Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark returned from a five-game injury absence Saturday with 32 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds in a 102-88 win over the previously-unbeaten New York Liberty. She hit seven 3's. Clark had not played since May 24 as her team (and TV ratings) sagged without her. 'Don't we always expect that kind of game from Caitlin?' said Indiana coach Stephanie White. 'I knew her adrenaline was going to be high to start. She's been itching to get back out there.' 10. MARLINS: Fish en fuego, seek season-long win streak!: Low-spending Miami is on a two-game win streak to hoist the season record to 27-41 entering today's game at Washington before returning home for seven vs. the NL East rival Phillies and Braves The Marlins' only better streak all season was a three-game run April 20-22. Let's make a deal: If Fish win a third straight today, they return home to a less-than-pitiful crowd. Let's go! THE LIST: GOLFERS WITH MOST U.S. OPEN WINS: Twenty-three men have won multiple U.S. Open titles. The only six with three or more crowns: No. Player Years won 4 Willie Anderson 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905 4 Bobby Jones 1923, 1926, 1929, 1930 4 Ben Hogan 1948, 1950, 1951, 1953 4 Jack Nicklaus 1962, 1967, 1972, 1980 3 Hale Irwin 1974, 1979, 1990 3 Tiger Woods 2000, 2002, 2008 Note: Two-time winners in this week's U.S. Open field were Brooks Koepka (2017, 2018) and Bryson DeChambeau (2020, 2024). Koepka is nine shots back entering Sunday. DeChambeau missed the cut. Other select most recent stuff from me: Panthers one win from repeat Stanley Cup as Marchand shines again or 3-2 series lead // Panthers blow lead, command of Final as Edmonton's 5-4 OT win ties series // Panthers crush Edmonton 6-1 for 2-1 Final lead. Is McDavid's dream slipping? // Previous HB 10 // Poll Dance: Favorite South Florida team // Hated to hero: Marchand's Panthers goal in second OT beats Edmonton 5-4, ties Stanley Cup Final // Road magic fails Panthers in 4-3 OT loss to open Stanley Cup Final rematch // Stanley Cup preview: On Connor 'McOverrated,' dream Cup rematch, Panthers as face of changed NHL // Florida Panthers oust Carolina in five, reach 3rd straight Stanley Cup Final // Major news on future of Dan Le Batard Show, Meadowlark Media, DraftKings // Game 7 magic as Panthers rout Toronto 6-2, reach 3rd straight East finals // Panthers' 4-1 ouster of Tampa declares intent, and ability, to repeat as champs // Giannis? Durant? Embarrassed Heat need major help after 55-point loss and playoff sweep // Our 34th annual Official Herald NFL Mock Draft // Miami Dolphins should be fed up with Tyreek Hill, but team is too desperate to trade him // LeBron vs. Michael, now Ovechkin-Gretzky. Our obsession with ranking greatness // NCAAs crescendo with exciting Final Fours, but college basketball is broken. Let's fix it // To owner Bruce Sherman of low-hope Marlins: Spend more on payroll, or sell team // Dolphins' 18-month decline, quiet offseason heap pressure on Tua, coach, GM in '25 // A tribute to Miami sports legend Jimmy Johnson as he retires from Fox TV // Must-win MLS season for Messi, Inter Miami a tough climb, as opening 2-2 home draw shows // 15 years later, Dolphins Cancer Challenge is the life-saving legacy of Jim Mandich // Unprofessional Jimmy Butler quit on Heat, ruined his legacy in Miami // And my latest podcast:
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ayotte says two priority bills she signed back parental rights
Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed into law two of her signature priority bills Tuesday, a parental rights law to give them access to information about their children in schools and one allowing parents of any income level to receive a taxpayer-paid Education Freedom Account (EFA). Surrounded by legislators, education choice advocates and school children, Ayotte said the two bills put the state on the right course for education reform that emphasizes choice and promotes families. 'Giving parents the freedom to choose the education setting that best fits their child's needs will help every student in our state reach their full potential,' Ayotte said. 'I'm proud to sign this into law today along with the Parental Bill of Rights, which ensures parents are the central voice in their children's education. I thank the House and Senate for working to get these across the finish line.' But critics maintain that both bills harm the public school system. They contend the parental rights measures (HB 10 and SB 72) could make it harder for educators to report cases of suspected child abuse to authorities. They opposed the EFA legislation (SB 295) since this expansion is estimated to add another $17 million a year to a program that was already costing taxpayers $30 million annually. 'All students deserve a high-quality education and the support they need to thrive. Unfortunately, expanding the unaccountable voucher scheme will exacerbate the already inequitable public education funding system in New Hampshire,' said Megan Tuttle, president of the National Education Association of New Hampshire. 'Limitless vouchers will take millions of dollars out of public schools to subsidize private school education for a few at the expense of nearly 90% of students who attend community public schools.' Outgoing Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut had been one of the leading advocates for EFAs, which were created in a 2021 state budget trailer bill that then-Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law. "New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account program has already transformed lives by giving families access to the educational pathways that best fit their children's needs,' Edelblut said. 'Expanding this opportunity through universal eligibility is a bold and forward-thinking move that reimagines what education can be, providing every student with the opportunity to reach their full potential and experience a bright future. We are proud to support this expansion and eager to see the lasting impact it will have on student success across our state.' Limiting EFA expansion was proposed The EFA law went far beyond what Ayotte had asked for from legislators four months ago. Currently, EFAs are limited to families making up to 350% of the federal poverty level or just over $100,000 a year for a family of four. The bill would eliminate that income eligibility limit while initially setting a cap on 10,000 EFAs given statewide. Currently, there are about 5,600 families that receive EFAs, averging about $5,100 a year. Ayotte had only wanted the expansion of EFAs to apply to families that have their children in public schools. According to surveys, more than 75% of those who have received EFAs already had their children enrolled in private schools. 'New Hampshire parents are grateful and relieved that more doors are finally open,' said Kate Baker Demers, executive director of the Children's Scholarship Fund, the nonprofit group that administers the EFA program for the state. 'They've known what their children needed — and now, thanks to this law, more families can access the freedom to choose what works best. This isn't about politics. It's about possibility.' Several leaders of education choice groups praised Ayotte's move on the EFA. "Gov. Ayotte knows that every young Granite Stater has unique needs to fulfil their education. Today, she ensured that every family is empowered with resources to find what works best for them,' said Nick Murray, public affairs manager for yes. every kid. 'We look forward to working with her administration to ensure New Hampshire's EFA program continues to serve families' needs in the best ways possible.' EdChoice President Robert Enlow said New Hampshire becomes the 19th state to offer these vouchers to all students. 'What New Hampshire has done isn't just expand eligibility — it's set a new benchmark for what educational freedom should look like,' Enlow continued. 'We're proud to support the Granite State in realizing the vision Milton Friedman outlined nearly 70 years ago — one in which every family has the freedom to choose, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.' State Sen. Victoria Sullivan, R-Manchester, sponsored the EFA bill that became law. House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson said a byproduct of the parental rights bill will be to target transgender students who will no longer be able to confide in 'one trusted adult' at school about their views about gender identity that their parents don't know about. "Today, Gov. Kelly Ayotte and State House Republicans turned our classrooms into political battlegrounds. They've passed a bill that forces teachers to out LGBTQ+ teens to potentially abusive parents and makes it harder for educators and DCYF to protect vulnerable kids who need help the most. They've made teachers' jobs a nightmare and put children at risk, all in the name of a hateful culture war. Nobody asked for this.' House Speaker Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, was the prime author of the parental rights bill. 'By advancing education freedom and the Parental Bill of Rights, we've reaffirmed a simple truth: parents, not bureaucracies, should make decisions about their children's lives. This legislation gives families real choices and ensures their values are respected,' Packard added. klandrigan@
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ayotte signs universal EFA bill, parental bill of rights
Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 10 and Senate Bill 295 into law at the State House Tuesday. The bills broaden parental rights and expand the voucher-like education freedom account program, respectively. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed two pieces of legislation Tuesday, one to extend the education freedom account program to all income levels and another to give families more control over their schools, delivering significant victories to 'school choice' conservatives. Flanked by children in a crowded council chamber room adjacent to her corner office in the State House Tuesday morning, Ayotte signed Senate Bill 295, which would allow families of all income levels to access state funds for private and home schooling expenses, and House Bill 10, which would enumerate a number of requirements for public schools to respond to parental demands. 'No one loves a child more than a parent, and making sure that parents have rights and can understand and know what's happening in their classrooms when their children are in school is so, so important,' Ayotte said. Republicans have hailed the two bills as instrumental to allowing parents the freedom to make choices for their children and avoid mandates from public school districts. But LGBTQ+ advocates have denounced HB 10, which they say could require school employees to disclose information about a students' gender identity or sexual orientation to their parents, even when the student asks the school employee not to. And Democrats and public school supporters say expanding education freedom account will take away state money that should be spent on public schools. HB 10 lays out a number of requirements for public schools, as well as a list of rights that parents have to be informed about regarding what public schools are teaching and what their children are doing during the school day. For instance, the bill lists the rights to opt a student out of sex education courses; choose not to participate in any non-academic survey; receive all educational records for their children within 10 days of asking; review instructional materials, and others. Many of those are already allowed under existing state law. The bill also requires school districts to adopt policies to encourage parental cooperation with teachers over homework, attendance, and discipline. HB 10 also includes the right for parents to 'inquire of the school or school personnel and promptly receive accurate, truthful, and complete disclosure regarding any and all matters related to their minor child, unless an immediate answer cannot be provided when the initial request is made.' That requirement does not apply to information brought to any counselor, school psychologist, school nurse, or other certified health care provider that is 'reasonably expected to be privileged.' The bill allows school staff to withhold information if they have 'clear and convincing' evidence that disclosing it could lead to the child being abused by their parent. And it also allows parents to sue the school if they allege any part of the bill is being violated. SB 295, meanwhile, would remove income caps from the education freedom account program, which allows parents to access at least $4,182 per year in state funding to use toward nonpublic school education expenses. Currently, that program is limited to families making 350% of the federal poverty level or less — or $112,525 for a family of four. SB 295 would impose a 10,000-student cap on the program in the first year of the expansion — the 2025-2026 school year — and would increase that cap by 25% per year if demand for the program hits at least 90% of the previous year's cap. The EFA program had 5,321 students at the start of the 2024-2025 school year under the 350% federal poverty level cap, according to the Department of Education. However, a group of 'priority guideline' students would not be subject to that cap, according to the new law. That would include students already enrolled in an EFA program, siblings of students enrolled in the program, children with disabilities, and students in families making up to 350% of the federal poverty levels. Both bill signings represent the culmination of years of work by conservatives. Efforts in previous years to lift income caps on education freedom accounts were voted down in the Senate, while House Republicans have spent four years attempting and failing to pass a parental bill of rights.
Boston Globe
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Ayotte signs ‘parental bill of rights' bill into law in N.H., fulfilling key GOP goal
Protesters gathered in the hallway outside of Ayotte's office ahead of the signing to express their opposition to the bills. Advertisement The parental bill of rights, Get N.H. Morning Report A weekday newsletter delivering the N.H. news you need to know right to your inbox. Enter Email Sign Up It states that, 'All parental rights are reserved to the parents of a minor child in this state without obstruction or interference from any school.' Under the new law, a parent can bring a lawsuit against the school for relief and monetary damages if they believe their parental rights have been violated. Advertisement The law is also meant to require new notifications to parents about their rights. It requires school boards to post a copy of the parental bill of rights on their website and in their school handbook, in addition to developing policies to promote parental involvement and establish procedures so parents can object to instructional materials. 'I am glad to sign it as a mom of two children, and I can tell you that as I look at the children who are here today, there's nothing more important for the future of New Hampshire than our children,' Ayotte said. The bill includes a new mandatory disclosure provision that has sparked controversy. The measure requires school personnel to provide 'accurate, truthful, and complete disclosure regarding any and all matters related to their minor child' within 10 business days if an immediate answer cannot be provided. That measure has drawn criticism from LGBTQ and civil liberties advocates, who said it could require educators to forcibly 'out' children to their parents. 'Politicians likewise chose to insert themselves in conversations between young people, their parents, and teachers, by passing bills that would require teachers to reveal a student's gender or sexuality, rather than suggest a conversation between the parent and their student,' said Linds Jakows, the founder of 603 Equality, in a statement calling on Ayotte to veto HB 10. Democrats have also raised concerns over language in the bill that they said would raise the bar for reporting child abuse to 'clear and convincing evidence.' Deb Howes, president of the AFT-NH, a teacher's union, shared those concerns. 'Most of the things are already in state law, but one thing this bill does is it changes standards for reporting abuse and standards for DCYF to act on it,' she said. Advertisement 'There are going to be instances where you're putting children in danger,' she said. Republicans have argued the bill will not impact reporting of child abuse, and they have celebrated the passage of the legislation, which was among their priorities. 'Gone are the days of parents being purposefully and vindictively kept in the dark and lied to when they inquire and voice their concerns about their children,' said Representative Deb DeSimone, an Atkinson Republican and chair of the House Children and Family Law Committee in a statement ahead of the bill signing. 'HB 10 affirms that parents have a voice and the ultimate say in their children's education, cementing that parents and teachers are partners in education.' House Majority Leader Jason Osborne called the advancement of both bills 'major victories.' 'These aren't just policy wins—they're proof of what happens when we hold the line and play hard-nosed, disciplined ball,' he said in a statement last week after the Legislature sent the bills to Ayotte's desk. Ayotte also signed 'As a mom, I can't think of anything more important than making sure that every child in this state has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential in the setting that works best for them in terms of education,' Ayotte said on Tuesday. Advertisement Amanda Gokee can be reached at
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Both sides lobby Ayotte over parental rights, trans bills
Conservative and liberal organizations lobbied Gov. Kelly Ayotte for and against legislation promoting parental rights, which critics unfairly contend target transgender residents. Last week, the Legislature completed action on a series of bills that conservative groups have dubbed a 'landmark parental rights package.' The coalition includes RebuildNH, Young Americans for Liberty, Citizens Alliance of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance and Health Freedom N.H. 'These bills collectively ensure that parents — not government institutions — retain the primary role in guiding their children's development,' said Melissa Blasek, executive director of RebuildNH. 'This package embodies New Hampshire's commitment to freedom and personal responsibility. It's time to lead the nation once again.' The Parental Rights Package includes the following bills: • Parental rights: HB10 and SB72 would establish a Parental Bill of Rights, codifying parents' fundamental rights to make decisions regarding the care, custody, education and medical treatment of their children. • Risk surveys: HB446 requires parental notice and opt-in consent for non-academic surveys administered in public schools. • Child's library records: HB273 would grant parents access to their child's records, which supports said would ensure transparency. • Mandating student info disclosure: SB 96 would require school district employees to disclose material information regarding a student's mental, emotional or physical health to parents. • Ban mask wearing: HB 361 would outlaw mandatory mask policies in schools, reinforcing the right of parents to make medical decisions for their children. • Obscenity definition in schools: HB324 would prohibit obscene or harmful sexual materials in schools, protecting children from age-inappropriate content. 'The Parental Rights Package is about trust — trusting parents to know what's best for their children,' said Dan Gray, executive director of Citizens Alliance of New Hampshire. 'Governor Ayotte has an opportunity to affirm the rights of every New Hampshire family and to send a clear message that our state values liberty and family sovereignty.' Ayotte urged to veto 4 bills A liberal bloc of organizations called upon Ayotte to veto four bills, starting with the parental rights bill they charge would leave students dealing with gender identity issues without a 'trusted adult' to confide in. 'The majority of New Hampshire politicians chose to insert themselves in conversations between young people, their parents, and doctors, by passing a ban on medically necessary health care that has vastly improved the well-being of transgender young people,' said Linds Jakow, founder of 603 Equality. 'Politicians likewise chose to insert themselves in conversations between young people, their parents, and teachers, by passing bills that would require teachers to reveal a student's gender or sexuality, rather than suggest a conversation between the parent and their student. We control our bodies and lives. Gov. Kelly Ayotte must swiftly veto this legislation, which has no place in any state that claims to value individual freedom.' These groups include 603 Equality, Planned Parenthood of New Hampshire Action Fund, N.H. Outright, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and the American Civil Liberties of New Hampshire. Other bills these advocates opposed included: • Gender-affirming care: HB 712 would ban all elective surgeries for transgender patients under 18 years old, even with parental consent and after consultations with medical professionals. On Thursday, the House will decide whether to concur with changes made to this bill along with HB 377 that restricts access for minors to puberty blockers. • Allow segregation of spaces: HB 148 would allow government agencies and private businesses to restrict access to restrooms, sports teams and prisons to members of the same biological sex. Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed an identical bill (HB 396) in 2024. 'It is clear that these bills would cause harm, permit discrimination, and heighten cruelty and harassment in our communities — and they have no place in New Hampshire,' said Courtney Reed, ACLU-N.H's policy advocate. 'Every Granite Stater deserves the freedom to control their bodies and to seek the health care they need free from government intrusion — period. These merciless, cruel, and endless legislative attacks against LGBTQ+ Granite Staters need to end.' What's Next: Most of these bills that both sides are working on have passed both branches of the Legislature and are on the way to Ayotte's desk. Prospects: Ayotte has expressed support for the parental rights bills and publicly she hasn't raised an objection to any of the other measures. klandrigan@
