SUMMARY: U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Tom Cotton are introducing the Focus on Learning Act to study the impacts of smartphone usage in K-12 classrooms. This legislation mandates the U.S. Surgeon General to analyze how cell phone use affects students’ mental health, educational outcomes, and academic performance. Following Virginia’s ban on smartphones in schools, eight states have enacted similar restrictions, with fifteen more proposing legislation. The bill proposes a $5 million annual budget for a five-year pilot program, emphasizes communication systems for emergencies, and allows exceptions for students needing devices for disabilities or translation. Findings will be reported to Congress.

Read the full article

The post Legislation introduced to study impacts of cell phone use in schools | Virginia appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: In downtown Little Rock, Wings Express, run by two brothers, serves up delicious wings with an array of sauces just in time for a big football game. They share a passion for cooking, having transitioned from a family-owned restaurant to their current food truck, where they enjoy feeding locals and reconnecting with old friends. Their menu features bone-in and boneless wings, alongside must-try mozzarella sticks and unique sauces like honey hot and honey mustard. They invite fans to visit or order via DoorDash to savor these flavors before the game. Catch their food adventures on THV11.

On this week’s Eat It Up, Hayden Balgavy & Jurnee Taylor visit Wings Express in Little Rock, a food truck run by two brothers cooking up the best-flavored sauces.

Source

SUMMARY:

The state of Arkansas has around 1,000 fire departments, with only 28 staffed by paid professionals. Many departments rely on volunteers, but this model is facing challenges. Sardis, Arkansas, with a population of just over 800, is experiencing a shortage of volunteers. Chief Daniel Hicks notes their department has the lowest number of volunteers in nearly 50 years.

Similar issues are seen in Lawdale, where Assistant Fire Chief Ray Kerson reports a significant drop in volunteer interest. These struggles could endanger communities, as volunteers are often first responders in rural areas, and delays in assistance could be disastrous.

To address the issue, some have suggested offering incentives for volunteers, but the current strategies have not been effective. Although a tax credit proposal failed, the need for more volunteers remains critical for maintaining fire protection in these areas.

Anyone interested in volunteering can easily get involved by visiting local fire stations. The ability to help save lives and property is highly valued in these tight-knit communities.

Several fire stations across the state of Arkansas are facing struggles due to a lack of volunteers to help keep their stations fully …

Source