Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 213
February 12, 2025
Best worry stone
There are certain practices so ancient and pervasive that it’s hard to pinpoint just where they started. The use of worry stones — smooth rocks which have a groove into which a thumb fits naturally — is one such practice. According to Gemrock, worry stones have been found in ancient Greece, Tibet, Ireland and among various Native American tribes. It’s easy to see why — there’s something peaceful about rubbing a thumb on a smooth stone. The first worry stones were probably river rocks that had been naturally worn smooth. Today, you can buy one in the color and stone you like.
What to know before you buy a worry stoneYou may want to try out a few worry stones before buying your own. There are two major categories of worry stones: palm stones and thumb stones. Palm stones, as their name suggests, are about the size of a palm and give you a wider area on which to rub your thumb. The downside to these is that they’re heavier and bulkier than thumb stones. Thumb stones are about half an inch wider than the average thumb and have an indentation. They’re light and easy to keep in a pocket. Like a fidget spinner, they’re meant to be a focus for your hands when you get anxious.
Choose your stoneWorry stones come in a wide variety. Some believe that the material of the worry stone affects how it “absorbs” your worries. If you want to give this theory a try, you may want to choose your worry stone based on its makeup. Some favorites include amethyst and labradorite.
Choose your sizeDecide how you’ll want to use your worry stone. Some people like to keep them on a desk or workspace. If that’s the case and you’re drawn to a palm-sized stone, give one of those a try. Others prefer to carry theirs in their pocket. If that’s you, opt for a thumb-sized worry stone.
Choose your textureSome worry stones are highly polished, with a smooth, almost glasslike surface. Others are a bit less so, with more texture for your thumb to touch as you use your stone. This is strictly a matter of preference, and you may want to try out a couple of worry stones before landing on the kind you like best.
What to look for in a quality worry stoneAlthough it’s tempting to think “stone is stone,” there is actually a pretty broad variety when it comes to worry stones. Here are a few features to look into as you choose your worry stone.
Reiki-infusedSome people have given worry stones the nickname “pocket tranquilizers,” because they find them soothing. One trend in worry stones is to infuse them with healing Reiki energy. Some users believe this gives the stone an additional soothing quality when in use.
WeightDepending on how thin your worry stone is built, it can be slightly heavier than a big coin or it can be considerably weightier. A heavier stone will withstand more wear and tear and is less likely to break if dropped. Some people like a lighter stone. If that’s you, some stones, like obsidian, make light worry stones.
Good associationsWorry stones have been used with PTSD patients as an “anchor.” Patients are taught a relaxation script, and when they are in their relaxed state are taught to “anchor” the good feelings while touching a worry stone. Later, they can call back that positive feeling by rubbing the worry stone. But it’s not necessary to engage in such an involved use of your worry stone. Even finding a worry stone that you find visually pleasing can help you create good associations with it. Some customers opt for a worry stone in the shape of a heart or with an interesting stone pattern.
How much you can expect to spend on a worry stoneWorry stones are in the $10-20 range.
Worry stone FAQWhat are the benefits of using worry stones?A. Many people report finding worry stones soothing, particularly in times of stress. The act of rubbing is calming and may help ground you in the present moment. Over time, some users develop positive associations with their stones and even anticipate feeling soothed before touching them.
What if my stone gets chipped?A. Worry stones should be relatively durable. If you do find yours gets chipped, particularly in the area where you rub your thumb, you may want to replace it. The chip can be distracting and if it’s jagged it may also cause injury to your thumb.
What’s the best worry stone to buy?Top worry stone 
Top Plaza 2.4-inch Amethyst Crystal Palm Stone
What you need to know: This is a beautiful and hefty palm stone you should be able to enjoy for a long time.
What you’ll love: The color on this stone is gorgeous, and the texture has just the right amount of smoothness. It also comes with a velvet storage pouch.
What you should consider: Some people didn’t receive the velvet storage pouch.
Top worry stone for the money 
What you need to know: Opal makes a light and almost ethereal worry stone.
What you’ll love: This stone is visually beautiful and feels light in the hand.
What you should consider: Some users report finding this worry stone too thin.
Worth checking out 
Mina Heal Chakra Stones 8 PCS Kit
What you need to know: If you’d like to have a variety of stones at your disposal (say, to keep one in each of your favorite jackets or jeans), this pack is a good choice.
What you’ll love: The eight stones in this collection are eye-catching and beautiful. If you want to explore chakra healing, this provides one stone for each chakra.
What you should consider: The collection is more expensive than a single stone, so if you’re on a budget, you may not want to go this route.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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February 11, 2025
Republicans once railed against armed IRS agents. Now they want them for immigration enforcement
By FATIMA HUSSEIN
WASHINGTON (AP) — For years, Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have railed against the IRS and its cadre of armed agents. Now the administration has big plans for them: It wants the agents to assist with immigration enforcement.
Related ArticlesNational Politics | Trump’s halt of US law banning business bribes abroad raises specter of a ‘Wild West’ of dealmaking National Politics | Appeals court rejects Trump administration push to reinstate spending freezes on grants and loans National Politics | New York City’s mayor has 4 months to persuade Democratic voters he’s not Trump’s puppet National Politics | Vance offers an ‘America First’ argument on AI deregulation in his first foreign policy speech National Politics | Rep. Panetta, Ways and Means Democrats demand Trump administration retract tariffs on alliesHomeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent a request to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to borrow IRS workers to help with the immigration crackdown, according to a recent letter obtained by The Associated Press. It cites the IRS’s boost in funding, though the $80 billion infusion of funds the federal tax collection agency received under the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act has already been clawed back.
Noem’s request, asking for workers from the IRS Criminal Investigation unit within the Treasury Department, is a change in Republicans’ tone toward these workers but also exemplifies Trump’s focus on border security. It points to a broader shift in the overall direction of the federal workforce under the Trump administration — with workers being coaxed to resign, redesignated to different jobs or eventually be fired.
Republicans, both those in office and on the campaign trail, have long claimed — falsely — that the IRS planned to hire 87,000 armed agents to harass middle-income earners. But the IRS Criminal Investigation unit, which employed 2,144 special agents in 2023, is different from the larger IRS workforce of roughly 89,000 workers. These are the agents with guns who work on trafficking, fraud and other criminal cases in the field.
Now DHS wants those agents to serve in task forces with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, targeting employers engaged in unlawful hiring practices, monitoring immigrants in the country illegally and other tasks.
“Treasury has qualified law enforcement personnel available to assist with immigration enforcement, especially in light of recent increases to the Internal Revenue Service’s work force and budget,” Noem said in her letter to Bessent.
Trump teased the idea in January in Las Vegas, when he said of IRS employees: “We’re in the process of developing a plan to either terminate all of them or maybe we’ll move them to the border.”
Experts in the tax and immigration fields say this particular request for diverting workers is unusual and could result in a loss of tax revenue.
While there is precedent across administrations for reassigning federal workers to do work unrelated to their original jobs, Noem’s request to Bessent is “extraordinary,” says Donald Williamson, the former executive director of the Kogod Tax Center at American University.
That’s in part because it calls for mobilizing people who don’t often deal with immigration issues and puts the ball in Bessent’s court to choose among thousands of IRS workers to serve DHS’s mission, he said.
“I don’t really look at IRS officials as G-men,” he said.
Williamson said he doesn’t consider DHS’s request as inconsistent with Republicans’ earlier criticisms of IRS hiring, but he noted that “it’s a redirecting of the IRS’s efforts” to align with the administration’s priorities.
“They have expertise of auditing employers” and can do some of the tasks outlined in Noem’s memo, he said.
Chloe East, who studies immigration policy and is a nonresident fellow at the Brookings Institution, said tapping into the IRS workforce to focus on the border rather than on catching tax evaders will likely result in lower tax revenues at a time when the Trump administration says it is focused on cutting the deficit.
“We’re talking about billions of dollars in lost tax revenue” by shuffling IRS workers, East said. She said the passage of the Laken Riley Act will require the presence of more officers at the border.
“The Trump administration would rather pursue immigrants rather than pursue money launderers,” she said.
Representatives from IRS Criminal Investigation and Treasury did not respond to requests for comment.
Trump’s halt of US law banning business bribes abroad raises specter of a ‘Wild West’ of dealmaking
By BERNARD CONDON
NEW YORK (AP) — To its fans, it’s an undeniable force for good in a corrupt world, a groundbreaking anti-bribery statute that has brought powerful businessmen to heel for secretly paying off foreign government officials to win contracts abroad.
Related ArticlesNational Politics | Republicans once railed against armed IRS agents. Now they want them for immigration enforcement National Politics | Appeals court rejects Trump administration push to reinstate spending freezes on grants and loans National Politics | New York City’s mayor has 4 months to persuade Democratic voters he’s not Trump’s puppet National Politics | Vance offers an ‘America First’ argument on AI deregulation in his first foreign policy speech National Politics | Rep. Panetta, Ways and Means Democrats demand Trump administration retract tariffs on alliesTo detractors, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act unfairly hobbles American companies while foreign rivals not so encumbered swoop in.
On Monday, President Donald Trump took a side.
“It sounds good on paper but in practicality, it’s a disaster,” Trump said while signing an executive order freezing enforcement of the law. “It’s going to mean a lot more business for America.”
The consequences could be dramatic, depending on Trump’s next move.
If he halts many prosecutions, essentially defanging the law, it could help U.S. businesses win deals abroad. But it also could tarnish America’s image, allow corrupt autocrats ruling over impoverished people to get even richer and lead France, Britain, Japan and other wealthy countries to weaken their own anti-bribery laws so their companies can make payments, too.
“We are facing a Wild West situation,” said Mark Pieth, a criminal law professor at the University of Basel in Switzerland and anti-bribery law expert. “It will be everyone against everyone.”
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE LAW BAN?The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or FCPA, prohibits people or companies operating in the U.S. from giving money or gifts to foreign officials to win or retain deals in those countries. The law doesn’t require that the bribe is actually paid, but only offered.
Punishment for conviction is imprisonment of up to 20 years, and companies face fines double their profits from the illicit deal. That has often meant hundreds of millions of dollars, sometimes billions, in payments.
HOW OFTEN HAS THE LAW BEEN USED?The law has been used hundreds of times in the past decade to stop bribes to win deals, leading to massive settlement payments from multinationals like Goldman Sachs, Germany’s Siemens and the Swiss commodities trader Glencore.
But it’s real impact, experts say, is arguably not in the headlines, but what happens behind the scenes as the fear of punishment deters businesses from even thinking about bribes in the first place.
WHAT SPECIFICALLY DOES TRUMP THINK IS WRONG WITH THE LAW?In a nutshell, Trump is claiming that so many others are corrupt, we’re fools for playing by the rules.
Specifically, Trump said the law is being enforced in “excessive, unpredictable” ways that U.S. companies are competing on an uneven “playing field” with foreign rivals. He also said the law was “draining resources” from law enforcement and harming U.S. national interests because companies were being held back from deals that would give the U.S. access to deep water ports, critical minerals and other assets.
Trump’s statements are reviving a criticism of the law that was common decades ago before other developed countries enacted their own bribery laws. More recently both Republican and Democratic administrations have embraced the FCPA not just as a way to stamp out U.S. corruption but to fight the kinds of conditions abroad that allow cartels and terrorist groups that act against U.S. interests to thrive.
WHAT EXACTLY DID TRUMP DO UNDER HIS EXECUTIVE ORDER?Trump can’t overturn the law, but as head of the executive branch he can change the way it is enforced and shift resources to other Justice Department priorities.
His order puts in place a 180-day “pause” to all investigations under the FCPA while they are being reviewed. He also ordered no new ones be opened during that period. The order also says it will halt other Justice Department “actions” under the law, which might mean ongoing prosecutions though that is unclear.
Trump said the pause is also necessary to give his administration time to come up with new “reasonable” guidelines on how to enforce the law that don’t put U.S. companies at a disadvantage in striking foreign deals.
Duncan Levin, a criminal defense attorney, said he expects Trump will essentially kill the law by neglect.
“He can’t get rid of the law, but he can refuse to enforce it,” said Levin, who has represented high profile defendants Harvey Weinstein and Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. “I don’t think this is just a pause.”
WHAT KIND OF BRIBES WERE UNCOVERED UNDER THE LAW?The FCPA was enacted after investigators at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the 1970s found more than 400 American companies making questionable or illegal payments to foreign officials to win business.
Since then the list of bribes brought to light by prosecutions is long and varied.
Last year, the military contractor RTX, formerly Raytheon, paid more than $300 million to settle charges it had allegedly bribed officials in Qatar by using a sham contract and other devices to hide its tracks.
In 2019, Walmart paid $282 million to settle charges from a seven-year investigation into allegations it won approval to open stores in Mexico, India and Brazil by bribing local officials, including one contact called the “sorceress” who had an uncanny ability to make permitting problems disappear.
WHAT DO OTHER COUNTRIES DO TO STOP BRIBERY?Since the FCPA was enacted nearly 50 years ago, U.S. businesses have complained that it was hurting more than helping and unfair because bribes were commonplace in some countries. Then under U.S. pressure, allies in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development started enacting their own laws, especially after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 and African and Asian countries formerly in the communist orbit opened their borders to business.
Eventually, 40 wealthy countries adopted anti-bribery laws based on the FCPA, according to University of Basel’s Pieth, including the ability to prosecute foreign companies operating in their countries for acts committed in a third country.
Therein lies another danger of Trump weakening the FCPA.
“If a U.S. company bribes because Trump is giving them the green light, the French and the British will jump on that company,” Pieth said. “It will be a mess.”
Appeals court rejects Trump administration push to reinstate spending freezes on grants and loans
By LINDSAY WHITEHURST
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected a Trump administration push to reinstate a sweeping pause on federal funding, a decision that comes after a judge found the administration had not fully obeyed an earlier order.
Related ArticlesNational Politics | Republicans once railed against armed IRS agents. Now they want them for immigration enforcement National Politics | Trump’s halt of US law banning business bribes abroad raises specter of a ‘Wild West’ of dealmaking National Politics | New York City’s mayor has 4 months to persuade Democratic voters he’s not Trump’s puppet National Politics | Vance offers an ‘America First’ argument on AI deregulation in his first foreign policy speech National Politics | Rep. Panetta, Ways and Means Democrats demand Trump administration retract tariffs on alliesThe Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals turned back the emergency appeal, the latest in a string of court losses that is increasingly frustrating top administration officials as it slows President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging agenda.
The appeals court also said it expected the lower court judge to clarify his original order. The Trump administration quickly pushed to withhold Federal Emergency Management Agency money sent to New York City to house migrants, saying it had “significant concerns” about the spending under a program appropriated by Congress.
The Justice Department had previously asked the appeals court to let it implement sweeping pauses on federal grants and loans, calling the lower court order to keep promised money flowing “intolerable judicial overreach.”
U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island is presiding over a lawsuit from nearly two dozen Democratic states filed after the administration issued a boundary-pushing memo purporting to halt all federals grants and loans, worth trillions of dollars. The plan sparked chaos around the country.
The administration has since rescinded that memo, but McConnell found Monday that not all federal grants and loans had been restored. He was the first judge to find that the administration had disobeyed a court order.
Money for things like early childhood education, pollution reduction and HIV prevention research has remained tied up even after his Jan. 31 order halting the spending freeze plan, the states said.
McConnell, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, ordered the Trump administration to “immediately take every step necessary” to unfreeze all federal grants and loans.
He also said his order blocked the administration from cutting billions of dollars in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health, a move announced last week.
The Justice Department said McConnell’s order prevents the executive branch from exercising its lawful authority, including over discretionary spending or fraud.
“A single district court judge has attempted to wrest from the President the power to ‘take care that the laws be faithfully executed.’ This state of affairs cannot be allowed to persist for one more day,” government attorneys wrote in their appeal.
The states, meanwhile, argued that the president can’t block money that Congress has approved, and the still-frozen grants and loans are causing serious problems for their residents. They urged the appeals court to keep allowing the case to play out in front of McConnell.
Judges have also blocked, at least temporarily, Trump’s push to end birthright citizenship for anyone born in the U.S., access to Treasury Department records by billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and a mass deferred resignation plan for federal workers.
The Republican administration previously said the sweeping funding pause would bring federal spending in line with the president’s priorities, including increasing fossil fuel production, removing protections for transgender people and ending diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
A different federal judge in Washington has also issued a temporary restraining order against the funding freeze plan and since expressed concern that some nonprofit groups weren’t getting their funding.
New York City’s mayor has 4 months to persuade Democratic voters he’s not Trump’s puppet
By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE
New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared Tuesday that he is “no longer facing legal questions” after the Justice Department moved to shield him from the bribery charges that have been hanging over his reelection campaign.
Related ArticlesNational Politics | Republicans once railed against armed IRS agents. Now they want them for immigration enforcement National Politics | Trump’s halt of US law banning business bribes abroad raises specter of a ‘Wild West’ of dealmaking National Politics | Appeals court rejects Trump administration push to reinstate spending freezes on grants and loans National Politics | Vance offers an ‘America First’ argument on AI deregulation in his first foreign policy speech National Politics | Rep. Panetta, Ways and Means Democrats demand Trump administration retract tariffs on alliesBut now, with the Democratic primary just four months away, he faces a seemingly impossible political balancing act.
The Democrat may have to continue pleasing Republican President Donald Trump with his policies and public statements to keep the charges from being revived — while simultaneously convincing voters in a deep-blue city that he’s still his own man.
Adams’ fraught position is owed to a section of the extraordinary Justice Department memo that ordered prosecutors to drop the case but left open the possibility that the charges could be brought back.
In the memo, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove told prosecutors in New York not to take “additional investigative steps” against the mayor until after the November election — when the new top prosecutor in the district will review the case and could potentially reinstate charges.
The decision was not based on the facts of the case, Bove wrote, but came instead because the prosecution was distracting Adams from campaigning and helping Trump carry out his hard-line immigration agenda in New York.
The Rev. Al Sharpton, a close ally of Adams’ who holds sway among perhaps the mayor’s most crucial voting bloc, said in a pointed statement Tuesday that the arrangement amounts to “essentially political blackmail.”
“So if the Mayor were to disagree with the president, does that mean they have the right to call a trial on him at any time?” Sharpton asked. “It certainly sounds like President Trump is holding the mayor hostage.”
Adams was already fending off accusations that he had become beholden to the president in order to secure leniency in his criminal case.
Now his primary challengers have a fresh angle of attack, arguing that everything the mayor does moving forward can be interpreted as an attempt to please a president who has unprecedented sway over a prominent Democrat who could have been a high-profile rival.
“Eric Adams no longer works for New Yorkers. He works for Donald Trump. Period,” state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, a mayoral candidate, said at a news conference. “Mayor Eric Adams will be under the thumb and control under Donald Trump until November.”
Adams, a former police officer, was indicted in September on federal conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges, with prosecutors alleging Adams allowed Turkish officials and businesspeople to buy his influence with illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips in exchange for political favors.
Before the charges, Adams ran for office and governed as a centrist, often warring with New York City liberals that he castigates as unrealistic. He was a registered Republican for a period of time earlier in his political career.
Still, it is undeniable that Adams has significantly warmed to Trump since the case emerged and has built a relationship with the new administration, meeting with the Republican’s so-called border czar on immigration enforcement and attending Trump’s inauguration.
Adams late last year also suggested that he was open to changing political parties to become a Republican but walked the idea back after criticism that he was openly courting Trump.
On Monday, hours before the memo became public, Adams convened his top deputies to discuss the city’s response to Trump’s policies, including a recent directive that appeared to open the door to further cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
During the meeting, Adams instructed his deputies not to publicly spar with Trump, warning it could put federal grants at risk, according to an official who attended the meeting. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter.
Among Adams’s other declared primary challengers are city Comptroller Brad Lander, former comptroller Scott Stringer, state Sen. Jessica Ramos and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also been eyeing an entry into the race and could be a formidable candidate, despite having resigned from office following multiple sexual harassment allegations.
George Arzt, a veteran New York Democratic political operative, said Adams will have to proceed carefully.
“I think he’ll know what to do with Trump. The problem is that he can be handcuffed to Trump in an election year, and he’s got to be very, very careful,” Arzt said. “Yes, he wants the charges dropped officially, but no, he doesn’t want to be linked closely to Trump, even though he is already.”
In his first public statement since the Justice Department memo became public, Adams maintained that he is innocent of the charges, saying: “I would never put any personal benefit above my solemn responsibility as your mayor.”
“Despite the fact that I am no longer facing legal questions, I also understand that many New Yorkers will still question my character,” Adams said in a speech. “And I know that I must continue to regain your trust.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who has the power to remove Adams from office but has repeatedly said she would not do so, told reporters Tuesday that everything Adams does will now be ”under a spotlight.”
“I don’t know whether anyone is compromised in that situation. I truly do not know,” she said. “I have to believe that the mayor is going to put the interests of New York City first.”
“I just want to have a partner who has the same priorities that I do and that is focused on the people of this city and nothing else,” she said.
Associated Press Writer Jake Offenhartz contributed to this report.
Monterey Peninsula Unified stands out in post-pandemic recovery
In 2022, chronic absenteeism among third-eighth graders at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District had nearly doubled since before the pandemic. In 2024, the district significantly lowered that number and stands out amongst districts nationwide that are struggling to keep absenteeism rates low.
This data, among other highlights, secured Monterey Peninsula Unified’s place as a success story in the Education Recovery Scorecard. A partnership between researchers at Harvard, Stanford and Dartmouth, the scorecard tracks academic trends across districts following the pandemic. Monterey Peninsula Unified is one of nine success stories analyzed in the 2025 scorecard.
“Being recognized as a success story is truly a testament to the hard work of our educators, leaders, students and our community,” said Cresta McIntosh, associate superintendent of educational services. “It validates the really strategic and technical efforts we’ve been making behind the scenes to support and accelerate learning post-pandemic.
“While we continue to be really proud of this progress, we remain committed to equitable approaches to support our students, because although we’ve accelerated some learning, there’s still work to do,” said McIntosh.
The ScorecardIn 2022, project leaders and researchers Tom Kane and Sean Reardon along with others found that by the time states returned to regular testing in spring 2022, the average student in grades 3-8 had lost the equivalent of half a grade level in math performance and a third of a grade level in reading. The third and latest scorecard tracks how these same grade levels performed in spring 2024.
Based on spring 2024 academic trends, the Education Recovery Scorecard shows students are still half a grade level behind as compared to 2019. (Graphic courtesy of Sharon Lurye – Associated Press)The latest scorecard used test results from around 11,000 districts in 43 states, which is about 80% of students in the country. Seven districts did not have high enough participation rates to get reliable data. Test scores were put onto a common scale to convert proficiency rates to “grade levels” of achievements based on research led by Reardon and colleagues in 2017 and 2021.
Researchers pinpointed nine districts across the country that stood out by improving student outcomes through innovative teaching methods, curriculum and other student support programs. Based on its steady student achievement, Monterey Peninsula Unified was chosen as one of these case studies.
Reducing chronic absenteeismThe report highlights the district’s successful implementation of wraparound student supports including its efforts to address the root causes of absenteeism. Monterey Peninsula Unified’s leadership development at the school and district level also contributed to the success of the new curriculum.
“We’ve really stood behind the fact that reducing chronic absenteeism is a critical part of our student learning recovery,” said McIntosh. “While we know it’s necessary to support our students in accelerating, we won’t be able to do that if our students aren’t in our classrooms.”
Through a nearly $1.4 million grant, the district created its intervention program Promoting Attendance through Collaboration and Compassionate Systems. The program takes a non-punitive, evidence-based approach to address the root causes of chronic absenteeism.
“Addressing chronic absenteeism requires uncovering and addressing the specific barriers that prevent students from getting to school and helping them show up prepared and in the right headspace to learn,” said Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh in a statement.
PACCS focused on some of these barriers including transportation struggles, health concerns or general student disengagement, according to McIntosh.
The district provided telehealth services, technical assistance and increased family support to families whose children often missed school. It also implemented a pilot program called EveryDay Labs that allows district leaders at each school site to access attendance rates and provide direct resources to families who have chronically absent students. According to the district, the five schools who have implemented the program have seen decreases in absenteeism.
Districtwide, the chronic absenteeism rate dropped from 26.9% in the 2022-23 school year to 16.07% in the 2023-24 school year.
Student outcomesIn 2019, third-eighth graders at the district were two grade points below the national average in math, and as of last spring, they had cut that gap by 0.17 of a point.
Reading performance grew .39 from 2019-2022 then took a sharp fall in 2022-24, which matched a nationwide decline in reading. Testing scores have begun to come back up and regardless of the fall, students are still doing slightly better than they were pre-pandemic.
Students at Monterey Peninsula Unified are starting to see higher scores in math performance compared to pre-pandemic trends. (Graphic courtesy of the Associated Press)Overall, the scorecard shows Monterey Peninsula Unified is doing better in math and reading compared to districts with similar socioeconomic status, demographics and size. With around 9,200 students, 66% of the district’s population is socioeconomically disadvantaged and around 76% are students of color.
Reardon and Kane’s data found the gap between districts with higher and lower levels of Black and Hispanic students had grown by 17%. The data further showed racial and ethnic disparities have been widening over the past five years with students of color continuing to fall behind academically.
McIntosh noted the recognition highlights the district’s data-driven Equitable Continuous Improvement efforts, which aims to support historically marginalized students specifically.
The district’s efforts were heavily inspired by research on the opportunity myth, which found students of color are often not provided with rigorous activity or grade-level access, despite those students believing they would be set up for career or college success.
The research also focused on opportunity makers, which were districts utilizing high-quality standards-based curriculum and focusing on creating a sense of belonging, particularly for underserved communities.
“We really engaged deeply in that work,” said McIntosh.
Focus on leadershipMonterey Peninsula Unified was also highlighted for its focus on leadership development to bring a new math curriculum to life. In 2021, the district received a grant from UnboundEd and CORE Learning to build the capacity of its leaders to support curriculum implementation.
“We recognize that sustainable improvement in math instruction requires strong leadership at every level,” said McIntosh. “We believe that leadership is not a position but an action.”
With the grant, the district developed and invested in leadership opportunities for principals, instructional leaders and teachers to support each other in ensuring there was a deep understanding and strong implementation of the curriculum.
“Increasing our school leaders’ knowledge of the curricula has allowed them to have meaningful conversations about specific standards and instructional strategies with teachers,” said Diffenbaugh. “When principals and teachers speak the same language, they can collaborate to strengthen classroom instruction.”
Looking forward“While we’re proud of the progress we’re celebrated for, there’s much work to do,” said McIntosh.
The district plans to build on this momentum through continuing to deepen math instructional practices, expanding on intervention and appropriate responses to absenteeism and ensuring coherence among every grade level so all students have equal opportunities.
“We’re really paying attention to who is thriving and being successful in accessing these opportunities,” said McIntosh, “and who isn’t and what we can do about that.”
Police searching for man accused in shooting two victims in field
Detectives with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office have identified a man who is wanted in connection to two attempted homicides on Sunday.
Valdes Carrasco, 23, has been described as a 5’6 male, 150-pounds with black hair, green eyes and facial hair. He was last seen wearing dark clothing. Detectives say he is believed to be unhoused and frequents the Greenfield area.
Sheriff’s Office deputies and Greenfield Police officers were called around 11:30 a.m. about a report of a gunshot victim at a homeless encampment in the agricultural fields just south of Elm Avenue and 4th Street. A victim was found to be suffering from non-life-threatening wounds.
About 15 minutes later, a second call came in from a victim reporting that someone had brandished a firearm at them near the same area. During the second incident, there were two people found with gunshot wounds, one at the scene and another near 3rd Street. Both victims were transported to a trauma center for treatment of their injuries.
Law enforcement is asking the public to call 911 immediately if you know where Carrasco is or if you see him. Officials are advising against approached him, as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.
The best iPad
iPads are the biggest name in tablets, and for good reason. They’re fast, responsive, easy to use, and have sharp displays.
There’s an iPad for you whether you want to casually browse the web and watch videos, record music, record and edit high-quality videos, or almost anything in between.
But with a wide range of models available, it can be tough to choose the best for you, especially when new versions are regularly released. We’ve done our research to find the very best iPads, at least one of which should fit your needs and budget.
Best iPads1. Apple iPad Pro: The best iPad on the market, this model is lightning fast, can run professional-level software, and has a gorgeous display.
2. Apple iPad Air: The iPad Air offers excellent value for money as it doesn’t cost much more than the standard iPad but is quicker and can handle the most powerful apps. This model is a newcomer to our top three.
3. Apple iPad: The reliability and reasonable price of this base-level iPad is why it’s found a returning spot, though we haven’t featured this latest generation model before.
For full reviews of these products, scroll to the bottom.
What you need to know before buying an iPadThere are four main iPad models on the market right now.
The iPad Pro is the high-end offering, and it’s faster, larger, and has a better display compared to lesser models.The iPad Air is the next step down from the Pro. It can’t rival its speed or processing power but is a good choice if the Pro is out of your budget.The standard iPad is great for casual users. It isn’t slow compared to other similar tablets, but it isn’t as impressive as the Pro or Air.The iPad mini is a smaller version of the standard iPad, which is great if you want something larger than your smartphone but compact enough to carry anywhere.Check how much internal storage space your chosen iPad comes with. Unlike Android devices, you can’t upgrade the storage space with an SD card, so you’re stuck with the base amount you choose. That said, you can utilize cloud storage to free up some space.
All iPads have front and rear cameras, so you can take standard photos and videos, as well as take selfies and engage in video calls. Camera quality varies widely between models.
Basic iPads start at around $300. iPad Pros with the largest amounts of storage space cost up to $1,300.
iPad FAQQ. Can an iPad replace a laptop? 
A. If you’re looking to replace your laptop with an iPad, you might struggle with basic and midrange options because they can be slow when multitasking and there’s no mouse support, so you have to use the touch screen to click and select. The iPad Pros, however, are compatible with the Magic Keyboard, giving you an experience virtually identical to using a laptop. The Pro is also more than powerful enough to run all the software you need, including high-end editing and gaming software.
Q. Can I back up my iPad?A. If you sync your iPad with iTunes, it automatically backs up your apps and settings, should you need to restore them at a later date. However, you need to back up to iCloud if you want to save a copy of your files and data. We recommend doing this every two to four weeks, or more regularly if you keep highly important files on your iPad.
In-depth reviews for best iPadsTop iPad 
What you need to know: This is a professional-level model for serious users.
What you’ll love: It has an impressive Liquid Retina display. The M4 chip makes it faster than most PCs and laptops on the market. It’s available in both 11-inch and 13-inch models. It’s also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, so it’s a good choice for artists.
What you should consider: It’s expensive, though worth it if you have the cash to spare.
Top iPad for the money 
What you need to know: This slim, lightweight tablet is the perfect middle ground between the base iPad and the Pro.
What you’ll love: Charged by the powerful M2 chip, it runs very smoothly while maintaining a light weight. It handles many of the same things as the iPad Pro while being less expensive.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have Thunderbolt support for fast transfers.
Worth checking out 
What you need to know: This latest iPad model is reasonably quick and reliable.
What you’ll love: It has a crisp display and is compatible with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil USB-C for drawing and note-taking. It performs well if you don’t do a large amount of multitasking or run hugely powerful apps.
What you should consider: It is a little bulkier than other models, though not by much.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Best whipped cream dispenser
Whether you’re enjoying an ice cream sundae, a piece of cheesecake or a slice of key lime pie, your favorite dessert is always tastier when you top it with whipped cream. Homemade whipped cream definitely beats the store-bought stuff, and you don’t have to mess with whipping it by hand if you invest in a cream dispenser.
This handy gadget uses a nitrous oxide cartridge to turn liquid cream into a light, airy whipped topping to dispense directly on your ice cream, cake or other dessert. If you prefer fresh homemade whipped cream, you’ll love reaching for the cream dispenser in your cabinet rather than your tired, old whisk.
Our top pick from Otis Classic 304 Stainless Steel Whipped Cream Dispenser features durable, food-grade stainless steel and includes three different nozzles for piping decorations on all your desserts.
What to know before you buy a whipped cream dispenserMaterialsCream dispensers can be made of plastic, aluminum or stainless steel. Plastic dispensers are the most budget-friendly, but they aren’t very durable. Aluminum and stainless steel dispensers offer greater durability, so you’ll usually pay more for them. Stainless steel models are often the most expensive, though — not only are they dishwasher-safe, but they can also handle both cold and hot liquids.
CapacityThe amount of liquid that a cream dispenser can hold determines how much whipped cream you can make in a single batch. Most dispensers hold a pint, which makes up to 16 servings of whipped cream. But you can find some smaller models that only hold half a pint, which is good for eight servings, and some larger models that hold 1 quart, which can make 32 servings.
Cartridge compatibilityA cream dispenser uses a nitrous oxide cartridge to turn liquid cream into whipped cream. Some dispensers can only take cartridges that are made by the same manufacturer, while others can use off-brand cartridges, too. You can also find cream dispensers that are compatible with carbon dioxide cartridges, which allows you to carbonate liquids in addition to making whipped cream.
What to look for in a quality whipped cream dispenserRubberized gripWhile it doesn’t take much time to make whipped cream with a cream dispenser, a model with a rubberized grip is usually more comfortable to hold while you’re working. It also prevents the dispenser from slipping and sliding in your hand, so you’re less likely to drop it.
Decorative nozzlesMany cream dispensers include decorative nozzles in addition to a wide, round standard nozzle. That allows you to make decorative patterns with the whipped cream on your desserts or plates for a more impressive presentation. Some dispensers only have one extra nozzle, while others have up to four, including options like a star, tulip and/or leaf tip.
Injector tipsYou may not always want to dispense whipped cream on top of your cakes and other desserts. Some cream dispensers include injector tips, which let you inject cream or other fillings into your cream puffs and other desserts. For the most versatility, look for a dispenser that includes injector tips in multiple sizes, so they can accommodate fillings in a variety of thicknesses.
Ease of cleaningA cream dispenser should be easy to clean so you don’t have to struggle to get leftover cream out of its crevices. Stainless steel models are usually the easiest because you can throw them in your dishwasher. If you opt for a hand-wash-only dispenser, choose a model that includes a cleaning brush.
How much you can expect to spend on a whipped cream dispenserCream dispensers usually cost between $15-$140. Plastic models are typically the cheapest, ranging from $15-$30. You’ll usually pay between $23-$60 for an aluminum dispenser and $45-$140 for a stainless steel dispenser.
Whipped cream dispenser FAQWhat’s the best cream to use inside a whipped cream dispenser?A. For the best results, use a heavy whipping cream that contains 32% fat or greater.
Can you refrigerate leftover cream inside the whipped cream dispenser?A. If you don’t turn all the heavy cream inside your dispenser into whipped cream, you can store it inside the dispenser in your fridge. The cream should stay fresh until the best-by-date on its packaging.
What’s the best whipped cream dispenser to buy?Top whipped cream dispenser 
Otis Classic 304 Stainless Steel Whipped Cream Dispenser
What you need to know: This excellent whipped cream dispenser boasts durability and a user-friendly design.
What you’ll love: Made of food-grade stainless steel that’s extremely easy to clean and holds up well to regular use, it is suitable for both home and restaurant use. It includes three decorating nozzles.
What you should consider: There can be a learning curve when using the decorative nozzles.
Top whipped cream dispenser for the money 
EurKitchen Professional Aluminum Whipped Cream Dispenser
What you need to know: You can use this cream dispenser in a variety of ways, including decorating desserts and making flavored seltzers.
What you’ll love: Featuring a lightweight design that’s comfortable to hold, the plastic head can be washed and replaced if necessary. The canister is made of durable aluminum.
What you should consider: The instructions aren’t as easy to follow as some users would like.
Worth checking out 
ICO Professional Aluminum Whipped Cream Dispenser
What you need to know: This professional-quality whipped cream dispenser comes at a budget-friendly price.
What you’ll love: It uses attachable N20 cartridges to get a consistent, steady stream of gas, resulting in a uniform stream of whipped cream.
What you should consider: The nozzles are made of plastic and are flimsy, so they’re not suitable for heavy use.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Horoscopes Feb. 11, 2025: Jennifer Aniston, plan time with family and friends
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Taylor Lautner, 33; Kelly Rowland, 44; Jennifer Aniston, 56; Sheryl Crow, 63.
Happy Birthday: Plan time with family and friends. It will help you chill and alleviate stress. Sell off items you don’t need, and use the extra space for something that makes your life easier. Refuse to let what others do or say irritate you. It’s a waste of time and energy to worry over things you cannot control. Strengthen meaningful relationships and incorporate plans to achieve your goals. Your numbers are 9, 17, 22, 28, 32, 35, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep busy. Tidy up, clear space and update your surroundings to accommodate your plans and prospects better. Preparation will help you keep up with the demands or challenges you face. Reach out to a friend who can offer insight and hands-on help. Someone you encounter will grab your attention. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A skeptical approach to what someone proposes will give you time to ask questions and check out the facts before you make any changes that can affect you personally. Tame your emotions before getting into a conversation that can damage a friendship or lead to unwanted debt. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Distance yourself from those who try to exploit your generosity. Indulge in chasing information that will keep you up to date and informed regarding what’s trending or the direction a project that you’re interested in might take. An emotional connection you have with someone will gain momentum and grow into something special. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take nothing for granted. If you love someone, be upfront about your plans and determine where you stand. Put more time and energy into maintaining a good reputation and going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure you outmaneuver anyone trying to compete with you. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look before you leap. Have everything in place before you initiate something or someone new into your life. Not every offer will have the same value or positive impact. A thorough look at the legal and financial aspects of whatever you want to pursue is mandatory to avoid a costly mistake. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Set high standards, and don’t back down just because someone challenges you. An efficient plan will come in below budget and offer long-term benefits. Positive change begins with what you propose and how you handle excess, temptation and pressure. Your discipline and willingness to do the work yourself will pay off. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A passionate approach to what you want will help you convince others to tag along for the ride. Your vivid description of how you see things unfolding and how everyone can benefit from your plan will put you in the spotlight and pave the way to a brighter future. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Engage in activities that ease stress and take your mind off situations you cannot control. Concentrate inward and on what you can do to improve yourself, your skills and your future. Traveling, talking to experts and discovering your options will help guide you in a prosperous direction. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Today is all about give-and-take, maintaining equality and striving for common ground with those who can contribute to whatever you are trying to achieve. Take a unique approach to running your home and dealing with personal relationships. Love and show compassion to yourself, but distance yourself from drama and inconsistency. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Protect your health, well-being and reputation. Relying on others will lead to disappointment. Change can be good if you take the initiative and do the work yourself. Separate emotions from business. Take care of your physical needs; make fitness and health a priority. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Rather than challenge others for having different opinions, channel your energy into pursuing the most agreeable path. Concentrate on what matters most to you and spend time with those who share your thoughts and feelings, not those who oppose them. Focus on personal improvements and projects that bring you joy. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Participation will be in your best interest. Sign up for something that interests you and the people you meet, and the information you gather will give you a sense of what you want to pursue next.An open mind and a desire to try something new will lead to something exceptional. 3 stars Birthday Baby: You are hardworking, resilient and opportunistic. You are proud and responsive. 1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold. Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.
