(NewsUSA) - What do parents really think about school choice in 2024? A new survey by the National School Choice Awareness Foundation sheds light on what they're thinking, and looking for, as National School Choice Week spurs families to start the process of choosing new schools for the fall. Two truths, and one oft-repeated myth, offer insights into how they'll shape the landscape of education with the choices they make.

Here's truth number one. Parents are more interested in changing their children's schools than they were during the pandemic. 72% considered new schools for their children last year compared to 52% in 2022. If you're not the parent of a school age child, you'd be forgiven for assuming parents crave stability after the upheaval of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, but the data says something different. The high water mark of interest in choosing a new school during the pandemic came in the fall of 2020, when 63% of parents were considering it. Yet this month, January 2024, 72% said they have considered choosing a new school for their child in the last year.

Truth number two is this: America’s parents know that school choice is expanding––and they are talking about it. More than half of parents say their state now offers more education options, and the majority also say they've talked about school enrollment decisions with friends and families in the last month. More options, and more open conversation about these choices, is what we can expect in this "new normal"

Here's the myth: school choice is a partisan issue. The truth of the matter is that school choice decisions are personal, not political. If you're only listening to the pundits, it may surprise you to hear that parents who identify as Democrats are searching for new schools at a higher rate than those who identify as Republicans. On the other hand, parents identifying as Republicans are interested in choosing public schools for their kids at the same levels as parents who identify as Democrats.

Clearly, school choice is the new normal for American families. Thankfully, 27,000 schools, homeschool groups, and community leaders are stepping up to take part in National School Choice Week, ensuring that parents see the options in their community firsthand. Millions of parents are doing their part to proactively explore the changing educational landscape for their children. Working together, educators and parents are poised to ensure that this new normal puts kids first.

Shelby Doyle, based in Nashville, TN, is the vice president of public awareness at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts National School Choice Week each January and maintains the nation’s largest online portfolio of English- and Spanish-language school navigation resources.

(Charlotte, N.C. (January 22, 2024)) - In celebration of an extraordinary 40 years in the industry, Abra, a distinguished leader in collision repair, embarks on a new chapter with the launch of its Another Mile, Another Milestone campaign. This significant achievement marks not just the passage of time, but the enduring commitment to providing impeccable collision repair services, ensuring vehicles are restored Right the First Time, On Time.

As Abra sets its sights on the next 40+ years, the new campaign goes beyond the mechanical aspect of vehicles. Abra recognizes that cars are witnesses to life's defining moments – from the excitement of the first car to the dependability of the last. Abra's dedication extends beyond repairing dents and scratches; it's about preserving life's memories on wheels. Each story and every memory fuels Abra's passion for excellence.

To kick off the campaign, Abra invites customers to participate in a special giveaway running through Wednesday, January 31, 2024. By visiting www.AbraOnTime.com, customers have the chance to win one of five Apple^® Watches. To enter, participants must share a significant milestone from their life, whether achieved or anticipated in 2024, along with their first and last name, email, and address. Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, January 31, 11:59 p.m. EST.

“40 years in business is an incredible milestone. Our Abra owners are dedicated to helping their customers quickly and safely return to the road following an accident with its longstanding commitment to repairing a vehicle right the first time and on time,” said Wayne Kelly, VP of operations and development, Abra. “This campaign showcases Abra’s continued commitment to those who have supported us for the past 40 years, through giving back to our customers and our communities.”

Each entry will be matched with a $1 contribution from Abra to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Financial matching will max out 5,000 entries or $5,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. If the maximum numbers of entries are not reached, Abra will still fulfill the $5,000 donation. 

The Another Mile, Another Milestone campaign will incorporate radio, print, social media and digital advertising. The advertising campaign and contest elements are available on the Abra social media channels. 

For more information on Abra visit AbraAuto.com. 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents who are of age of majority in the United States. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins 1/15/24 and ends 1/31/24. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, click here. Sponsor: Driven Brands Inc. d/b/a Abra Auto Body Repair of America, 440 S Church St #700, Charlotte, NC 28202.

(NewsUSA) - Another year has come and gone and with it many Americans are once again working to stick to their New Year’s resolutions. Whether it's mastering a new skill, maintaining a new exercise routine, or learning a new subject, increasingly they are turning to online resources to help them in their pursuit. But, despite all the tools at their disposal, only 9-12% of Americans ended up keeping last year’s resolutions due to a combination of setting unrealistic goals, the inability to track them, and perhaps most of all, the lack of convenience.

Convenient access to the tools you need to be successful is critical when starting a new routine. Yet, as of 2020, the over 46 million Americans residing in rural areas of the United States lack local access to resources like gyms, libraries, or recreation centers.

Fortunately, new online resources are being made available every day that enable families in even the most remote parts of the country to achieve their goals from the comfort of their homes. In rural America, where 15% of the population resides, cable or fiber internet is often not available. There, satellite internet plays a crucial role in providing access to online tools for these residents, offering fast, reliable, and widespread coverage.

Hughes®, a pioneer in satellite internet technology, recently introduced new Hughesnet^® service plans that are transforming connectivity and accessibility in rural America. Leveraging the capabilities of JUPITER^™ 3, the most advanced commercial communications satellite ever built, Hughes is offering customers enhanced choices for connecting, streaming and engaging in online activities in the upcoming year. With unlimited data, faster speeds, and a new low-latency Hughesnet Fusion^® plan, the new Hughesnet is enhancing the internet experience for rural America.

Reliable connectivity empowers individuals to utilize various resources in pursuit of their goals. For instance, those aspiring to develop culinary skills can conveniently attend cooking classes from the comfort of their own kitchen via platforms like YouTube. Similarly, individuals interested in learning a musical instrument can opt for a Masterclass instead of commuting to a traditional music school. For those focused on weight loss and fitness, tools such as Noom offer assistance in monitoring daily calorie intake and healthier food choices.

Maintaining steadfast New Year’s resolutions becomes significantly more manageable with a robust and dependable internet connection. Rural families can count on satellite internet to deliver the necessary tools and activities directly to them, facilitating better tracking and adherence to their resolutions.

(NewsUSA) - Chivalry by Patrick Girondi

From the eccentric and riveting author/singer/CEO Patrick Girondi, an aspiring author stumbles onto a manuscript that became a bestseller. He must find the true author, a peculiar war vet from Iraq who lives as a homeless person. 
 
Isa, a Gulf War sergeant, silenced a snitch to save his platoon from a murder rap. He now lives namelessly on the streets of New York, shielded by police, formerly of his old platoon. For now, in limbo, Isa writes books. He spots his daughter, who has no idea who he is, on the bus. Full of emotion, he accidentally forgets a manuscript. 
 
Bob Herman finds a woman who plagues his dreams and a manuscript he can’t put down. Herman wins Isa’s daughter. To keep her, he needs another bestseller and sets off to find the true author. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4417hV5.

Abandoned by MHR Geer

It should have been enough. In this newest Anne Wilson thriller following the author’s debut “Assumed,” our protagonist had the perfect boyfriend and the perfect Caribbean villa. It should have been her happily-ever-after. But her past overshadows her sunny life. On an impulse, she ditches all of it and flies to Guadeloupe. A new island. A fresh start.

 But starting over is impossible with so many loose ends.

 Only twenty-four hours after Anne arrives in Guadeloupe, Sandy's friend hands her a backpack full of cash, and Anne is plunged back into Sandy's world. When someone breaks into her motel room, Anne goes on the run. Someone knows about the money. Someone wants her off the island. She has to decide: Keep running or risk everything to protect her perfect life? “My characters end up with my flaws, and I get to work through solutions. It's like beta-testing better versions of myself,” the author says. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3tMADcp.

Happiness & Heroism by Y.P.R.

Do you wake up every day with a sense of purpose, inner peace, and knowledge that you are living your very best life? Your emotional state and the actions you choose to take each day are at the very basis of your success as a human being. The ideal state of emotional fulfillment is what author Y.P.R. refers to as Happiness. The ideal form of noble day-to-day action is what he calls Heroism.

Happiness & Heroism: The School of Being, The School of Doing is a two-book series consisting of two letters from a father to his children that impart lessons on loving life and walking a noble path. The first book teaches the philosophy of the fundamental goodness of existence; mindfulness of true reality; humanity’s innate tendencies to feel stress, fear, anger, boredom, and depression—and the antidote. Purchase at https://www.happinessandheroism.com.

Hop Skip Jump! by Mary Giammona MD

It’s a busy grandmother-and-granddaughter day! What shall they do together? Grandma explains how to go hopping, skipping, and jumping for fun and exercise. At the end of an active day, they enjoy a family picnic together.

Mary Giammona, MD, is a Pediatrician, mom, and grandma who loves all children! She finds joy in her two young grandchildren, as well as her daughter, two growngranddaughters, and all her patients. She lives in Southern California with her husband and loves her multicultural family and the diverse nature of the area.

Her mind is full of stories, and Hop Skip Jump! is her debut picture book in the “Having Fun with Grandma” series, with additional titles forthcoming. Children are our future, and Dr. Giammona supports doing everything we can to make children feel valued. Purchase at https://bit.ly/47f3FQl.

(NewsUSA) - Chivalry by Patrick Girondi

From the eccentric and riveting author/singer/CEO Patrick Girondi, an aspiring author stumbles onto a manuscript that became a bestseller. He must find the true author, a peculiar war vet from Iraq who lives as a homeless person. 
 
Isa, a Gulf War sergeant, silenced a snitch to save his platoon from a murder rap. He now lives namelessly on the streets of New York, shielded by police, formerly of his old platoon. For now, in limbo, Isa writes books. He spots his daughter, who has no idea who he is, on the bus. Full of emotion, he accidentally forgets a manuscript. 
 
Bob Herman finds a woman who plagues his dreams and a manuscript he can’t put down. Herman wins Isa’s daughter. To keep her, he needs another bestseller and sets off to find the true author. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4417hV5.

Abandoned by MHR Geer

It should have been enough. In this newest Anne Wilson thriller following the author’s debut “Assumed,” our protagonist had the perfect boyfriend and the perfect Caribbean villa. It should have been her happily-ever-after. But her past overshadows her sunny life. On an impulse, she ditches all of it and flies to Guadeloupe. A new island. A fresh start.

 But starting over is impossible with so many loose ends.

 Only twenty-four hours after Anne arrives in Guadeloupe, Sandy's friend hands her a backpack full of cash, and Anne is plunged back into Sandy's world. When someone breaks into her motel room, Anne goes on the run. Someone knows about the money. Someone wants her off the island. She has to decide: Keep running or risk everything to protect her perfect life? “My characters end up with my flaws, and I get to work through solutions. It's like beta-testing better versions of myself,” the author says. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3tMADcp.

The Dark Side of Agile Coaching: Unmasking the Codependent Coach by Angela Doyle

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, agile practices have emerged as a beacon of adaptability and responsiveness. At the heart of this transformative movement stand agile coaches, who guide teams and organizations toward the holy grail of agility. Yet, amidst the noble pursuit of agility, shadowy figures lurk beneath the surface -- codependent coaches who inadvertently hinder a team’s growth. 

Readers embark on a journey of discovery, shedding light on this troubling aspect of agile coaching.  When practiced with mindfulness and discovery, agile coaching has the power to unlock the full potential of teams and organizations. This book identifies the problem and offers solutions, a roadmap to cultivating healthy coaching relationships. Eight essential values behind these relationships serve as a compass for agile coaches to align their work with agile’s core principles. Purchase at www.inoatar.com/agilecoachingbook.

Hop Skip Jump! by Mary Giammona MD

It’s a busy grandmother-and-granddaughter day! What shall they do together? Grandma explains how to go hopping, skipping, and jumping for fun and exercise. At the end of an active day, they enjoy a family picnic together.

Mary Giammona, MD, is a Pediatrician, mom, and grandma who loves all children! She finds joy in her two young grandchildren, as well as her daughter, two grown granddaughters, and all her patients. She lives in Southern California with her husband and loves her multicultural family and the diverse nature of the area.

Her mind is full of stories, and Hop Skip Jump! is her debut picture book in the “Having Fun with Grandma” series, with additional titles forthcoming. Children are our future, and Dr. Giammona supports doing everything we can to make children feel valued. Purchase at https://bit.ly/47f3FQl.

(NewsUSA) - For homeowners across the United States, cold weather can cause heightened concern each winter. Severe weather events themselves threaten safety and comfort, but they are made even more dangerous when ensuing power outages cut off access to much-needed heat and electricity.

With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting a wetter winter due to El Nino*, a large area of the US is expected to see above-average precipitation, which could fall in the form of rain, snow or an icy mix of both. These weather events can contribute to power outages during the winter, with the potential to leave people without power for hours or days amidst the cold. High demand for energy in the winter can also put added strain on the electrical grid, threatening the grid’s stability and reliability. Winter outages can often occur at unexpected times, making it essential to be ready ahead of time. According to the recent FEMA 2023 National Preparedness Report, only slightly more than half (51%) of Americans believe they are prepared for a disaster.**

“In the last 10 years of tracking outage data, we've seen almost 20% more households impacted by power outages during the winter months when an El Nino event is active," said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power for Generac. “Managing your household’s plan ahead of time and securing a source of backup power can give homeowners one less worry during times of heightened concern and extreme cold weather events.”

Taking Control Before, During and After Winter Power Outages

If an outage seems imminent…

• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to help preserve perishable foods during an outage.
• Keep cell phones, laptops and tablets charged. This ensures you have a way to track updates on the weather and have a method of communication if you or a loved one needs help.
• Fill gas cans to run a portable generator. Along with routine maintenance, this will enable your generator to keep the power on during an outage.
• Make sure you know how to shut off water valves in your home if a pipe bursts and consider whether you should allow faucets to drip or trickle during cold weather to prevent freezing.

When an outage occurs…

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed so they maintain an adequate temperature inside.
• Monitor updates with a radio, television, or online resources like Power Outage Central. Have a battery-powered emergency radio in case you lose access to other methods of communication.
• If using a portable generator for backup power, follow a plan for safely starting your generator. Never use a generator inside the home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
• Evacuate or go to a neighbor’s home if yours is damaged or an emergency official gives the order.

Once power is restored…

• If there is severe damage to the home or you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and contact local officials.
• Make a list of any missing or damaged property. Take photos of the home, yard and street and report any losses to insurance.
• Check in with loved ones via text messages or social media. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster.

More information and seasonal preparedness tips on home backup power solutions and protecting homes and families from cold weather power outages can be found at https://www.generac.com/be-prepared/cold-weather-guide.