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Back-to-school sales boom as teachers dig into their own pockets for classroom supplies

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

(The Hill) -- Back-to-school shopping is expected to break sales records as educators face another year of paying for their own classroom supplies out of pocket.  From fundraisers to a “student supply fee,” teachers and schools are finding ways to try to cover the cost of classroom supplies as more than 90 percent of educators use their own money for it, according to a survey from the National Education Association.While back-to-school spending is expected to hit a record high of $41.5 billion, beating the previous high of $37.1 billion in 2021, according to a survey from National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, educators are often only given the bare necessities for their classrooms and students.“It's absurd that we are creating a situation where school teachers feel it's necessary to dip into their own pocket, year after year, to provide for the students in their classroom,” Colin Sharkey, executive director of the Association of American Educator...

America's white majority is aging out

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

(The Hill) -- Generation Z will be the last generation of Americans with a white majority, according to census data. The nation’s so-called majority minority arrived with Generation Alpha, those born since about 2010.  Barely two decades from now, around 2045, non-Hispanic white people will fall below half as a share of the overall U.S. population. Those conclusions, and the numbers behind them, seem simple enough. Yet, some scholars contend that the numbers are wrong, or at least misleading, and that the looming ascent of a majority-minority America is a myth.  America’s white majority, and its numbered days, is a lightning-rod topic, given the nation’s history of slavery and enduring patterns of discrimination against minorities and immigrants. Demographers and economists celebrate the nation’s growing diversity as vital to a prosperous future. Other voices vilify racial change as a threat to the nation’s white heritage.  “Race is the most complicated...

New trail makes vital and safe connection in Round Rock

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- The number of trails in Round Rock will soon grow even larger following the approval of the new Lake Creek trail construction that will start later this year. The trail will make a vital connection between Round Rock West Park and Centennial Plaza, running underneath I-35. The 10-foot wide paved trail will feature a bridge over Lake Creek into the amphitheater at Centennial Plaza. David Buzzell, the assistant director of the parks and recreation department, said the trail is an important connection in the entire system. "It's just a vital connection. A lot of the Round Rock west area really doesn't have a safe and convenient way to get into downtown, so this is just going to provide another recreational and transportational connectivity option," Buzzell explained. This project comes as the Heritage Trail West resumed construction earlier in the year. How many trails are now in Round Rock?Currently the city has about 25 miles of trails. The city's master p...

Austin Parks and Rec to close part of Zilker's Great Lawn Monday and Tuesday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Austin Parks and Recreation Department said crews will close Lou Neff Road and parts of the Great Lawn near Zilker Park Monday and Tuesday. The department said crews will apply fertilizer to the area on both days from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Drivers can park at the Stratford gravel lot, according to the department. For more information on which parks and trails are and will be closed around Austin, click here.

Doctors say sleep is critical for school success

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heading back to school is a big adjustment for everyone. It can be especially tough for kids with ADHD, autism or other special needs.Pediatric experts say now is the time for parents and kids to start planning ahead and practicing routines for a smoother transition.When it comes to focus and attention in the classroom, doctors say everything starts and ends with sleep.Dr. Daniel Gustkey is a neurologist at Pediatrix Child Neurology Consultants of Austin. He recommends parents to start shifting over their kids' sleep schedule now, to properly prepare for the school year.“If you're having a stressful couple of days, or you're not sleeping well leading up to those first couple days, that can really start things off on the wrong foot,” Dr. Gustkey said. “That can really make it a struggle for the rest of the year.”Over the summer, it’s common for kids to let loose on their sleep schedule. Sometimes staying up till midnight or sleeping in till noon.However, this can lead...

98.3 TRY Social Dilemma: How Big Should An Engagement Ring Be For 2nd Marriage?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Today's 98.3 TRY Social Dilemma came from Angela and it's about getting engaged for the second time. Here's her email: Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Hi Jaime. I'm a divorced woman with no children. Unfortunately I picked the wrong guy for my first marriage, but that's okay. I've moved on from that. I've been dating a really great guy for about a year and a half now and he proposed to me. I was all ready to say yes, and then I saw the size of the ring. It is a very very small diamond. I'm embarrassed to even show it to anyone. This is my second marriage. Shouldn't the ring be bigger, not smaller? Now my man makes over $100k a year, so I was expecting a big ring, but he believes that our money would be better spent on a nice house. So do I tell him I want a bigger ring, or do I try to just deal with this? Hope you can help. AngelaWell, I don't think I'm the person who can help Angela. I'm not big on mat...

Initial hearing for sexual assault suspect today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Haji Goul Osmani is accused of attacking a 6-year-old boy in St. Louis Hills. His first court appearance was postponed from last week to allow the court to find a translator who speaks the Pashto language.Osmani is an Afghan refugee. He's reportedly married and has three small children. Investigators took him into custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a 6-year-old boy. Police said that the crime happened Sunday, July, 23. The victim was riding his bicycle when investigators explained that Osmani snatched him off the bike, took him to a vacant home, and assaulted him.   Shots fired at Hollywood Casino, woman arrested The investigation revealed another crime happened a week earlier July 16, at Francis Park involving a 12-year-old victim a day after police released surveillance. They shared that they received 100 tips from the public and were able to arrest Osmani as a result. The Circuit Attorney's Office charged him with statutory sodomy and sexual misconduct involv...

Cloudy and cooler Monday, next rain chances Wednesday

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

St. Louis weather from Meteorologist Angela Hutti:ST. LOUIS - Cooler air is settling in behind Sunday evening’s storms. Some scattered showers will linger Monday morning. It will be mostly cloudy through the day and breezy, with temperature highs near 80. We'll have clearing skies into Monday evening. Overnight temps will dip into the 60s and we’ll watch for some fog. It's set to be partly cloudy and quiet Tuesday, with highs in the mid 80s.   St. Louis radar: See a map of current weather here Our next rain chances arrive on Wednesday with widespread showers and storms moving in along a front. This system is still out over the Pacific Ocean, so there are still some questions - but let’s watch for some stronger storms Wednesday afternoon.  

Dr. Kelvin Adams starts as new pres. and CEO of 'St. Louis Community Foundation' today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Former St. Louis Public Schools superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams starts a new job Monday.He's the new president and CEO of the 'St. Louis Community Foundation'. The group connects potential donors with charities. They host the annual 'Give STL Day.' Shots fired at Hollywood Casino, woman arrested Adams retired after 14 years as superintendent. He'll join the FOX 2 studio live around 7:40 a.m.

'Beatle Bob' tribute show taking place tonight at Ballpark Village

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:32:53 GMT

ST. LOUIS - A memorial tribute show is planned Monday night to remember St. Louis's own 'Beatle Bob.'His real name was Robert Matonis. His nickname was given to him by a nun in grade school. Bob died two weeks ago after battling Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 70 years old. Shots fired at Hollywood Casino, woman arrested For more than 25 years, Beatle Bob was seen dancing at concerts all over St. Louis and around the country. You couldn't miss his polyester suits and black mop-top haircut.'The Schwag,' a 'Grateful Dead' cover band will headline a free tribute show Monday night at Ballpark Village, starting at 5:00 p.m. Members of The Beatles sound-alike group 'The Liverpool Legends' will also perform.