Issue #135: Pasco Enforces Cellphone Ban, Zakari Davila Wins 'Chopped,' Food Costs Soar

06/12/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
12 Jun

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Food is the topic this morning: how skilled one must be to prepare it well, and how expensive it has gotten in the past 4 years. Canine loyalty shines again and a little known fact as to why.

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

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In this issue of

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Local News

📱 Pasco Schools Enforce New Cellphone Ban to Enhance Learning

Food

👨‍🍳 Tampa's Own Zakari Davila Wins 'Chopped,' Honors Grandmother's Legacy

🥪 Food Insecurity Soars as Grocery Costs Spike, Over 25% Skipping Meals

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🐶 Dog's Determination Saves Oregon Man Stranded in Ravine

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Pasco Schools Enforce New Cellphone Ban to Enhance Learning

In an effort to enhance student focus, the Pasco County School Board has implemented new restrictions on cellphone use during school hours. Announced at a meeting in Land O'Lakes, the policy requires students to keep their phones silenced and out of sight during classes, unless permitted by teachers for educational purposes.

While the rule applies to all grade levels, elementary and middle school students must adhere to the off-and-out-of-sight policy throughout the day, including before and after school activities. High school students, however, will be allowed to use their phones during lunch periods, following feedback from the school community.

The changes align with state laws granting teachers greater control over their classrooms and address concerns about mental health and lost instructional time. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the positive impact of reduced cellphone use on student performance and behavior.

Violations of the policy may lead to disciplinary action, such as suspension, but phones will not be confiscated to avoid liability concerns.

One particularly striking and little-known fact about canine loyalty is that dogs have been shown to possess a specialized part of their brain that is uniquely attuned to human emotions.

Researchers have discovered that the canine brain has a dedicated "voice area," a region that processes the sounds and tones of human voices, allowing dogs to differentiate between happy, sad, and neutral tones.

This ability is comparable to the human brain's function, which suggests that dogs have evolved to be highly sensitive to our emotional states, fostering their remarkable loyalty and empathetic responses. This deep-seated connection may explain why dogs often seem to understand and react to our feelings so intuitively, solidifying their role as man's best friend.

Tampa's Own Zakari Davila Wins 'Chopped,' Honors Grandmother's Legacy

Playing cards that are criminal

Zakari Davila, a Tampa native, has returned home victorious after winning an episode of the Food Network's "Chopped." Davila’s love for cooking ignited at age 12, inspired by his grandmother’s creative kitchen wisdom. Her mantra, "Whatever you like, just put it in, make it taste good," shaped Davila's boundless culinary approach.

At 20, Davila moved to New York City to pursue his culinary dreams, braving the culture shock and new environment to attend culinary school. After honing his skills in the Big Apple, he returned to Tampa during the pandemic.

Earlier this year, Davila faced the ultimate test on "Chopped." Embracing the challenge with confidence and competitive spirit, he showcased his talent and personality, impressing the judges. On April 23, 2024, Davila was declared the champion, a moment filled with mixed emotions, especially since his beloved grandmother had passed just three months prior.

Now, Davila is back in Tampa, bringing his championship skills to Catering by the Family, a place he considers an extended family. He aspires to inspire and uplift the Tampa Bay culinary community, especially in his hometown of West Tampa.

Food Insecurity Soars as Grocery Costs Spike, Over 25% Skipping Meals

More than a quarter of Americans are skipping meals to cope with skyrocketing grocery costs, according to a Qualtrics survey for Intuit Credit Karma. The survey found that 80% of Americans have noticed a significant increase in grocery prices recently. Over 25% admit to skipping meals, and about one-third spend more than 60% of their monthly income on essentials like food, utilities, and rent.

Courtney Alev from Credit Karma emphasized the severity of food insecurity in the country, especially for low-income households. Despite some relief in food inflation, rising costs for rent and gasoline continue to challenge financial stability.

Grocery prices have surged by 25% since early 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, April saw a slight drop, the first in a year.

The survey also revealed that 44% feel financially unstable, with debt rising for 55% of Americans. Notable expense increases were reported in groceries, gasoline, utilities, housing, and dining out. About 26% resorted to buying unhealthy foods due to pricing.

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Dog's Determination Saves Oregon Man Stranded in Ravine

An Oregon man, Brandon Garrett, was injured and stranded overnight after his car crashed into a steep ravine near Halfway, Oregon. On June 2, Garrett's vehicle plummeted after failing to navigate a curve. Among the four dogs traveling with him, one brave canine embarked on a remarkable journey to seek help.

The dog traveled 4 miles back to the family camp, arriving on the morning of June 3, alerting Garrett's family that something was amiss. Acting on the dog's distress, the family located Garrett, who had moved 100 yards from the crash site but was otherwise unreachable due to the terrain.

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office reported that rescuers used chainsaws to clear a path to Garrett, provided first aid, and airlifted him to a hospital. Garrett sustained multiple injuries, including a cracked ankle and severe bruising, according to his brother, Tyree Garrett.

Authorities confirmed that Garrett's three other dogs were found alive. The heroic actions of Garrett's loyal pet highlight the extraordinary bond between humans and their canine companions

Read More: abcactionnews.com — also, read about canine loyalty in green box above

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