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Natalie Behring, Special to the Daily Herald

While Americas Freedom Festival in Provo officially began Thursday with a day of prayer, the festivals annual return is most felt with Hope of America. The three-day event brings together hundreds of elementary-ages students from Utah County and beyond to perform in a thousands-strong chorus singing patriotic tunes.

In 2023, like years past, the children will be present and ready to sing on Tuesday night. As they have done before, the national Freedom from Religion Foundation released a letter last week decrying the use of public school time and attention prepare for the festival, which they call a religious concert.

Lawyers for the Freedom Festival disagree and will continue the event as planned. Bill Fillmore, an attorney representing the Freedom Festival, sent a letter to FFRF on Friday in response to the complaint. While he and his law firm, Fillmore Spencer, only represent the festival, the letter stated it was sent with the approval of the Superintendents and legal counsel for each of the Provo School District, Nebo School District and Alpine School District.

In its initial complaint, FFRF questioned the use of school time to prepare for the festival due to the overtly Christian prayer opening 2022s event and religious overtones in several pieces of music, along with the events location. Hope of America is traditionally held at the Marriott Center on Brigham Young Universitys campus.

The location complaint was disputed due to logistics the location has nothing to do with the universitys affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fillmore wrote, but because its the only facility in the county large enough for the expected attendance.

In response to FFRFs other complaints, lawyers argued that references to God in songs are incidental and that participating students do so voluntarily and pursuant to writtenparental consents.

Lawyers also responded to what they call blatant misrepresentations by the group, including reemphasizing the assertion that teachers and students participate voluntarily and that Although some school resources may be involved, it is dishonest to misrepresent that a vast amount of public school resources are spent annually in preparation for HOA.

Disagreements continue over Supreme Court precedent regarding public acknowledgments of religion in society. FFRF cites a series of cases including School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp, which ruled mandatory Bible readings in school unconstitutional, and Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, which ruled a policy allowing student-delivered prayers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Fillmore responded that the groups citations applied to in-school and school-sponsored events, as opposed to a public schools ability to facilitate or participate in community events that themselves involve prayer or other religious expression.

In turn, they cite recent cases Kennedyv.Bremerton School District, allowing a high school football coach to lead Christian prayers after games, and The American Legion v. American Humanist Association, allowing Christian crosses to be placed in public spaces.

FFRF has taken umbrage with the Freedom Festival over the event in recent years. Jim Evans, executive director of Americas Freedom Festival, told the Daily Herald last week the group was looking at our previous responses in prior years to see if updates were necessary to their response. In addition to seeking that the Freedom From Religion Foundation immediately cease and desist hereafter from any such recklessly false and defamatory public statements, the lawyers threatened potential future recourse.

If it becomes necessary, FFRF will be held accountable for any damages suffered and all attorneys fees incurred in enforcing or defending our rights under the First Amendment, the letter reads.

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Freedom Festival responds to criticism of student involvement by ... - Daily Herald

Tucker, GA The Tucker City Council meets May 8 and will hold a first read and public hearing about the nondiscrimination ordinance thats been discussed for years.

Supporters and opponents plan to attend the meeting and speak during public comments. The city council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and be held at Tucker City Hall, located at 1975 Lakeside Pkwy, Ste 350B, Tucker, GA 30084. The meeting will also be streamed via Zoom. To see the Zoom link, click here.

Getting an NDO passed has been a years-long effort that has met with resistance, notably from Mayor Auman.

I have serious reservations about trying to use the force of law to bring about the change wed like to see on this matter, Auman said back in 2021. My concerns include the fact that such a law is outside our purview, it creates division instead of unity, and it will lead to all sorts of needless, expensive legal action by and among our citizens.

Councilmember Anne Lerner announced an NDO working group back in April 2022. That came six months after Mayor Auman and city council members supported a resolution for an inclusive, fair and welcoming city. Supporters of the ordinance said that the resolution was not legally enforceable.

Tucker Open Door, a local civic group, has been placing pressure on the city to adopt the ordinance, which is similar to ordinances adopted in other cities like Doraville, Decatur, Clarkston, Chamblee, Dunwoody, and Brookhaven.

In a message to its members before Mondays meeting, Tucker Open Door said, After working for 3+ years with Tucker Open Door on a non-discrimination ordinance, it will finally be on the agenda for a first read on May 8th! We welcome your presence and support during the City Council meeting. Public comments and emails in support of the ordinance will be critical as we work to get this passed. Lets get it done.

Rehoboth Baptist Church emailed church members on May 5, encouraging them to attend the meeting to speak against the ordinance out of concern it would infringe on peoples religious freedom.

I am bringing this matter to your attention because the proposed Non-Discrimination Ordinance will violate the First Amendment rights of all people of faith and all faith entities, Pastor Troy Bush wrote in the email. I have met repeatedly with members of our city council who have been drafting this ordinance, and I have shared these concerns.

The ordinance itself creates legal definitions in the city code for age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and veteran. It declares that people have a right to be free from discrimination regarding seeking or keeping employment, enjoying public accommodations, obtaining housing, and being free from retaliation for exercising those rights.

The ordinance does carve out 10 exceptions, some of which cover religious organizations. It also provides a process for enforcing the ordinance.

Under the NDO, the city can enforce the ordinance, but its a lengthy process.

People who want to file a complaint about ordinance violations can file them with the city clerk using a form provided by the city. Complainants will be required to pay a $50 filing fee. The city clerk would notify the chief judge of the citys municipal court, who would appoint a hearing officer from a list of hearing officers appointed by the city in the same way that the city appoints members of its boards.

The hearing officer can dismiss a complaint if the complainant has filed a separate complaint with a state or federal agency alleging the same facts. If the complaint makes a claim that violates state or federal law, the hearing officer will refer the complaint to those agencies and dismiss the complaint. The city clerk will have to serve the target of the complaint within seven days of the complaint being filed. The respondent will have 30 days to answer the complaint but will not be obligated to respond. If the complaint is allowed to proceed, the city will also offer up to six hours of free mediation services to resolve a complaint before holding a hearing. If the complaint results in a hearing, and the accused is found to have violated the citys ordinance, there will be a fine of $500 for the first violation and a fine of up to $1,000 for each subsequent violation.

No such finding or penalty shall in any way be considered to be a criminal conviction, the ordinance says.

The hearing officer may also request corrective action in addition to or in lieu of a fine.

Parties found to have violated the ordinance may appeal within 30 days to the Superior Court of DeKalb County.

To read the draft of the non-discrimination ordinance, click here.

Writer Logan C. Ritchie contributed reporting to this story.

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Youre invited!

Once youve established details like time, date, place, and theme, its time to start creating and sending out the invitation for your next big event.

And while theres no denying that designing an invitation can feel intimidating, desktop publishing software and display ad design software are just some tools available that can produce eye-catching invitations for parties that guests are excited to attend.

Throwing and hosting an event isnt cheap, so if youre looking to create the invitation on a budget, its good to know that you have options.

The following tools are ranked alphabetically:

Whether youre hosting a birthday party, webinar, anniversary, or housewarming party, designing the invitation with the right software can entice guests to attend while providing all the relevant information needed.

The list below contains real user reviews. In the context of this list, vendors that offer a free trial are also considered free. To be included on this list, a solution must have at least one of the following features:

* This data was pulled from G2 in April 2023, and the product list is ranked alphabetically. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.

Category: Desktop Publishing Software

Formerly known as Adobe Spark, Adobe Creative Cloud Express provides users with thousands of easy-to-use templates for various designs. From invitations to social media graphics to business cards, users can get started today with a 30-day free trial.

I like its comprehensive tools, seamless device integration, and collaboration features. The user-friendly interface and diverse offerings make it perfect for graphic designers and video editors. Collaboration tools enable easy peer interaction, while the extensive toolset accommodates all skill levels.

- Adobe Creative Cloud Express Review, Antnio P.

I wish it were easier to add fonts and not have to add them to my brand.

- Adobe Creative Cloud Express Review, Shawniece E.

Category: Display Ad Design Software

Next up is Canva, where users effortlessly create all kinds of visual content. It boasts a drag-and-drop interface, an expansive library of templates, and available stock photography. Designers looking to make invitations can use Canva for free for up to a year.

Canva is a great application that allows me to create various types of posters, presentations, and infographic images. Since working within an automobile detailing company, I can run various digitally informative presentations for my clients. Canva has many vibrant templates that save time and give you the right idea to develop informative posters. Working in Canva is easy and much less time-consuming. Its a great software for those who know little about editing tools but still know how to design and develop beautiful presentations.

- Canva Review, Akshita D.

Although we use Canva For Business at work, the one thing my team and I dislike about it is that we can't hide non-premium things, such as media and fonts, on our personal, free accounts. It would be nice to filter accordingly for people starting a business who have yet to subscribe to a premium version of the software.

- Canva Review, Haraldo S.

Category: Vector Graphics Software

From graphic design experts to design teams just starting to create, CorelDRAW delivers endless creativity. It gives you features for photo editing, team collaboration, and illustration, so there are multiple ways to design your next invitation. Users can start exploring all that CorelDRAW has to offer with a 15-day free trial.

I have been using CorelDRAW for several years and can confidently say that it's one of the best design software out there. I love the versatility of the toolset. It has everything I need for vector graphics, illustrations, page layout, and photo editing. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate.

- CorelDraw Review, Kubilay I.

Despite CorelDRAW being one of the pillars of innovation when it comes to creating graphics, regardless of scale and structure, the software has an edginess to it that comes off as something more like a relic of the past.

- CorelDraw Review, Paul A.

Category: Event Registration and Ticketing Software

Not only can Evite design an invitation for your next event, but it also offers users features like RSVP tracking so hosts can be prepared for how many guests will be in attendance. Users can explore thousands of free invitation templates fully customizable today.

I like that the templates are there to choose from, and there are lots of options. I also like that you can see when people open the invite and send quick reminders or updates.

- Evite Review, Michelle B.

I wish there were more customization options on some templates, but overall it's not a deterrent.

- Evite Review, Corrine B.

Category: Presentation Software

You dont have to be a seasoned designer to take advantage of Visme. This all-in-one platform can design everything from presentations, invitations, and visual reports with ease. Visme not only offers a free version, but also offers a free trial for its paid version with additional features.

Easy to use! I'm a beginner, and after only two hours, I'm already making professional-looking slides for our company's board meeting in three days. I was looking for flow-chart style templates with other brands in the trial phase, and I couldn't find anything- I tried Visme and instantly found at least 100 different flow-chart template options.

- Visme Review, Samantha J.

There are some glitches that affect my ability to undo actions. Sometimes the program doesn't respond when adding an effect, and you must refresh the page to continue.

- Visme Review, Jessica L.

Category: Diagramming Software

Wondershare EdrawMax offers users many different options for creating invitations, floor plans, flow charts, infographics, and even fashion design. This option can be used for free with a 15-day trial.

The ease of use is one of the best features of EdrawMax. I can easily create my technical diagrams with the help of existing templates and eventually save time. Also, I like its feature to import the other formats built on other tools. Without compromising quality, I can easily export the diagram into formats like PDF or JPG.

- Wondershare EdrawMax Review, Kushagra A.

Though this was not a deal killer, being on a Mac, the user interface (UI) in most Mac apps is crisp and has that up-to-date feeling. EDrawMax needs to work on updating its UI. Even though their tools are powerful, you'll soon forget about the UI and focus on your project.

- Wondershare EdrawMax Review, Nick S.

Designing the perfect invitation for your next event takes time and effort, but the right software makes it easier! These tools help hosts organize great events or parties, even on a budget. So whether youre choosing a template or designing from scratch, these free invitation design software options can do it all.

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6 Best Free Invitation Design Software for 2023 - G2

Metal detectors might become the latest feature at the state Capitol as members of the Michigan State Capitol Commission continue in their effort to make the building a gun-free zone.

Commissioners, responsible for managing the statehouse, voted unanimously late last week to solicit bids for metal and weapon detectors for the Capitols ground floor entrances late last week.

Four areas the main east entrance, the Heritage Hall entrance, and two entrances accessible via swipe cards by legislative staff would see pass-through weapon detection towers, scanning for not just standard issue guns but 3-D printed weapons as well.

At the final entrance, used by maintenance and vendors such as caterers, would be a metal detector.

The commission also is seeking bids for software for digital security cameras to detect if people possess firearms while alerting security in the process.

Its expected the Department of State Police will post job listings for 10 troopers to provide additional Capitol security as the House and Senate do the same.

I really am not happy we have to do this ... its just the high prevalence of violence, but political violence, especially, around the country that makes it obvious we have to do something to try and protect people, Commission Chair Bill Kandler told MLive.

RELATED: Eye on 2024, ex-speakers corruption: Your guide to Michigan politics

The vote on April 28 to move forward on metal detectors, new software and the like comes after another unanimous commission decision in February, when members first began moving on a total firearm ban on Capitol grounds.

We know theres no perfect solution of trying to come up with this end, (but) to increase our security and decrease our risk to outside events or incidents is our goal, Rob Blackshaw, executive director of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, said at the time.

Commissioners previously signed off on a form of an open carry firearm ban in 2021. This pertained to the public areas inside the Michigan State Capitol Building.

That came after an April 2020 rally where armed individuals some of whom were later charged in a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer entered the Capitol and watched session from the third floor balcony to the dismay of several sitting lawmakers.

The same year, an opinion issued by Attorney General Dana Nessel indicated the commission would be within its rights to forbid guns on the Capitol grounds for the protection of those both inside and outside the statehouse.

Kandler said that opinion somewhat came as a surprise to the commission, as they had long been involved in the restoration and preservation of the building, but said members otherwise felt it was their responsibility to make the Capitol safer.

Under the current partial ban, public areas within the Capitol are defined as the rotunda and its galleries along with the main corridors, grand staircases and ground floor entrances.

There is an exception to the rule, as firearms held by certain individuals are still permitted on Capitol grounds.

These include:

We have a lot of school children come through the Capitol building every year. ... Wed like to be able to tell parents that if the kids come to visit the Capitol building, itd be as safe here as it would be your own school building, Kandler said.

The firearm ban is expected to take effect upon the installing the new metal detectors, magnetometers and software. Commissioners, however, are still mulling whether the ban would affect just the inside of the Capitol or should extend to the grounds of the building as well.

How much this could cost is currently not known, though an executive budget recommendation from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has set aside $5 million for Capitol security upgrades.

More from MLive

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Massive environment spending increases highlight early Michigan budget

Will Michigans financial disclosure law reveal politicians long-hidden perks? Its up to them.

What to know about Michigan marijuana corruption probe that ensnared a former House Speaker

Michigan anti-solar group withdraws proposed ban on rural utility projects

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Metal detectors, software eyed to help make Michigan Capitol gun-free zone - MLive.com

I love AI. I'm using it many times a day in various forms, mostly through Bing Chat. But I also use ChatGPT a lot, mostly because it's faster. I also, quite happily, subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, the $20 a month premium tier that, among other things, affords you early access to new features.

At the time that was to use GPT-4 on ChatGPT, but also in eager anticipation of plugins and any other goodies OpenAI had up their digital sleeves. And yet, a couple of months later I'm sat looking at ChatGPT and wondering why I've wasted (to now) $40.

It's got more intense this past week because Microsoft has revealed what's coming next to Bing Chat. A lot of it covers features I'd hoped to be playing with on ChatGPT by now. Plugins, chat history, exporting, charts, all awesome stuff. And not locked behind a fairly pricey subscription that doesn't even seem to give you what you're paying for.

Microsoft might have pumped billions of dollars into OpenAI, but it's also beating the company easily at its own game.

I get it. ChatGPT has a lot of users. It became the fastest service to hit 100 million active users. But I guarantee most of those users aren't paying. The people paying are the enthusiasts, the early adopters, tech press. People like me. But in recent weeks I got access to one big new feature. The same feature everyone got, paid subscriber or not.

To get access to plugins or browsing right now, you must both be a paid subscriber and sign up to a waitlist. A lucky few already have access now, some more have recently started to see access arrive for the neat charts feature.

Me? The only thing I can do over a free account right now is use GPT-4. You know where I can use GPT-4 (legally) for free? Bing Chat. That same place that I can use browsing, too, which is comparable to OpenAI's feature since it's also powered by Bing.

Obviously OpenAI is scaling up. But to tell people they can pay for early access to new features as one of the perks, then keep most of them waiting without any indication of when to expect it, is pretty crummy.

I've been asked a few times if ChatGPT Plus is worth the money. The answer is a categorical no.

Paying for ChatGPT Plus looks even more ridiculous when you look at what Microsoft has recently announced as coming to Bing Chat. In case you missed the announcement, here's a quick list of what's coming soon.

This little lot will not only bring Bing Chat onto a better feature parity with what ChatGPT already offers, but also what it's offering to a small subset of its paid subscribers. Bing Chat, like ChatGPT, is going to be a development platform. And we'll hear more about it at Build later this month.

But the kicker is that, at least to this point, Microsoft hasn't indicated it'll be charging for any of these features on Bing Chat. I could envisage a Bing Chat Insider program similar to the other Insider programs Microsoft already runs. A place where enthusiasts will get to try stuff before everyone else. But Microsoft also doesn't charge for such programs if it did decide to bring one in.

Eventually you would imagine that Microsoft 365 may be leveraged to provide some kind of premium tier. Perhaps an ad-free experience or priority access, but that, too, would be fine. Paying for premium features is fine.

What's not fine is paying $20 a month under the pretence of getting premium features and actually getting very little. OpenAI needs to completely rethink its approach to charging for ChatGPT, because at the minute, Microsoft is completely showing them up.

Link:
Why am I wasting $20 a month on ChatGPT Plus when Bing Chat is ... - Windows Central