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Highest-rated free things to do in Texas, according to Tripadvisor

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

STACKER — Whether for the weekend around town or to add to your out-of-town itinerary, free things to do are good. With the ever-rising costs of gas and food, the idea of disposable income can feel like a distant fantasy.The cost of living continues to rise across the country, forcing each dollar earned to stretch further. While vacations are undoubtedly beneficial for mental health, maintaining savings, paying down debts amid inflation, and regular expenses likely take precedence. But, not everything enjoyable has to come at a high price. In fact, there's probably a roster of completely free things to do in your current area.Think about the most common entries on a vacation getaway itinerary: Sightseeing, touring landmarks, or completing a nature walk. Or, maybe you're just aiming to relax and want some peace and quiet.The truth is: Whether you're a history buff or aching to dip your toes in some cool water, you can find all this and more without swiping yo...

Texas rated worst state for Military Retirees — Here's how you can show them love

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

DALLAS (KDAF) — Texas has to step up its A-game, with Memorial Day around the corner.Financial guide website, Wallet Hub released data on the best and worst states for military retirees. The state was ranked #32 out of #51 making it one of the worse states for military retirees, WalletHub states."Many retirees face major struggles including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, disability, and homelessness, which are especially difficult to deal with during this period of economic difficulty," WalletHub said. Texas is known for its love and generosity, so how can we as Texans support our veterans? Here are some ways to help support veterans in Texas:Become a Student Ambassador Encourage your child's school to register or their teacher's classroom to help raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. WWP provides life-saving services to veterans injured mentally or physically in the war. Honor Their Courage was launched in 2020 as a Student Ambassador Program. Donate Ther...

Texas spellers gear up for 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) - From May 30 through June 1, Texas will send the most competitors of any state to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for its 95th annual competition in National Harbor, Maryland. The 231 qualifying spellers, said the organization, include nine to 14-year-olds from all 50 states, as well as 11 from neighboring countries and territories. However, Texas will boast the largest contribution to the pool with 21 competitors. The high number of spellers isn't Texas's only distinction, either. Among the 21 headed northeast from the Lone Star State, Kirsten Tiffany Santos from Houston is among two returning finalists from the 2022 national competition, when she tied for fifth with Surya Kapu from Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, Akash Vukoti from San Angelo is returning to the competition for a record sixth time. RELATED: Two Austin students head to Scripps National Spelling Bee As noted by the organization, Texas is also home to one of three special recognitions for t...

Literary calendar: Poems from a UMN professor and a Pulitzer winner

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

RAY GONZALEZ: Professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota celebrates release of “Suggest  Paradise,” a collection of complex poems that embody the Southwest and the borderlands. He will be joined by Jose Felipe Ozuna, Merle Geode, Kathryn Savage and Michel Torres. Gonzalez, author of 16 books of poetry, has won three Minnesota Book Awards and received a 2017 Fellowship in Poetry from the Library of Congress. Free. 6 p.m. Saturday, June 3, Milkweed Books bookstore in the Open Book building, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. For reservation information go to: milkweed.org/event.LYNETTE REINI-GRANDELL: Discusses “Wild Things: A Trans-Glam-Punk-Rock Love Story.” 7 p.m. Thursday, June 1, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.NASH JENKINS: Presents “Foster Dad Explores the Cosmos.” 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.LUIS ALBERTO URREA: Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his nonfiction “The Devil...

Boy scouts to honor fallen soldiers with Memorial day flags

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

In salute to fallen soldiers, the Boy Scouts of America, Western Los Angeles County Council,  annual Memorial Day flag placement ceremony is taking place at the Los Angeles National Cemetery on Saturday. More than 300 Boy Scouts of America will help place over 90,000 flags on grave sites during the ceremony at 8 a.m. The ceremony will include speeches from the boy scouts and other groups honoring service members who died serving the country during significant moments in history including World War I and the Civil War. “Civic responsibility is an important part of scouting so every scout needs to understand and recognize the sacrifice that folks have made for this country and how they can contribute to their service to the community as well,” says Lee Harrison, CEO of Boy Scouts of America, Western Los Angeles County Council. Following the ceremony, Harrison says the boy scouts will visit each grave, plant a flag, and take a moment to recognize the soldiers’ contributions. &nb...

One killed, three wounded in Oakland shootings

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

OAKLAND — One man was killed and three other men wounded in separate shootings that happened within four hours Friday night in different areas of the city, authorities said.None of the shootings appear to be related, police said.An arrest was made in one of the non-fatal shootings, police said.The fatal shooting happened about  11:55 p.m. Friday outside in the 8400 block of International Boulevard.Officers responding to a gunshot detection system alert found a 37-year-old Berkeley man bleeding and unresponsive from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.  His name has not yet been released.Police don’t have a motive yet for the shooting and are trying to determine if the man was shot by someone who approached him on the street or fired at him from a passing vehicle. No arrests have been made.Police believe the man was in Oakland to attend a social function in the area.The killing is the 40th homicide investigated by Oakland police...

Rent bargains in California: What you get for $1,500 a month

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

”Survey says” looks at various rankings and scorecards judging geographic locations while noting these grades are best seen as a mix of artful interpretation and data.Buzz: Look inland if you’re seeking a rental bargain in California.Source: My trusty spreadsheet reviewed a curious study by RentCafe comparing city rents. It looked at how much space you typically get when spending $1,500 a month.ToplineHow expensive is California? The study tracked apartments in 200 U.S. cities with an average of 782 square feet for $1,500 a month. Only three California cities offer larger living quarters, relatively speaking: Fresno, Bakersfield and Visalia.The three cities offer the typical renter at least double the space of the state’s costliest place, San Francisco, for that benchmark $1,500 rent.DetailsWe divided the 44 California cities tracked by geography and found the best “bargains” – space for $1,500 rent – were farthest from the coast. Ponder the landscape …...

Saratoga crime report for the week of June 2

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

MAY 16Residential burglary: At 9:03 p.m., unknown suspects entered a residence in the 12000 block of Palmtag Drive by breaking a rear sliding glass door, but then quickly fled the scene upon realizing the residents were home at the time. Nothing was reported stolen.MAY 18Commercial burglary, vandalism: At 1:30 a.m., someone entered Classic Ca wash on Prospect Road by prying a window open. The suspect damaged cabinets, door hinges and surveillance equipment. Nothing was reported stolen. The total amount of damage was estimated at over $400.MAY 19Theft by false pretenses: A Saratoga resident reported that someone contacted them in response to an item posted for sale online, claimed to be interested in purchasing the item and ultimately tricked the victim into sending money for a total loss of about $1,945.MAY 20Vehicle tampering, grand theft: Someone tampered with a vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence in the 18000 block of Cyril Place and stole a catalytic converter for a to...

Dusty Baker explains why Oakland remains dear to his heart as A’s relocation looms

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

OAKLAND – Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker sat in one of the photographer wells at the Coliseum late Friday afternoon. As his players began their stretching routines, Baker caught up and exchanged hugs with some longtime friends, reminiscing about the good times he experienced at the now 55-year-old facility.“Thinking about the great A’s teams and thinking about when I played for the A’s and also the city of Oakland having many championships,” Baker said. “Now it looks like they’re not going to have any more — unless somebody else comes to town.”Like many others with ties to Oakland, Baker, who turns 74 on June 15, saw the Warriors leave what was then Oracle Arena in 2019 for the gleaming new Chase Center in San Francisco, and the Raiders leave the aging Coliseum for indoor 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas the following year.And just a few hours after the A’s organization released the first artist renderings of its proposed new Las Vegas ballpark, Baker...

Buffalo Sabres sign Minnesota defenseman Ryan Johnston to 2-year rookie contract

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:30:32 GMT

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres ended a lengthy wait by signing Ryan Johnston to a two-year, entry level contract on Saturday, more than a month after the defenseman completed his senior college season at Minnesota.Johnston will report immediately to the Sabres’ American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester, whose best-of-seven Eastern Conference final playoff series against Hershey is tied at 1.From Southern California, Johnston is listed at 6-feet and 170 pounds and was selected 31st in 2019 draft.His puck-moving skills fit Buffalo’s style of play, Johnston finished his college career with nine goals and 59 points in 143 career games, including four goals and 18 points in 40 games this year. He reached the NCAA’s Frozen Four in each of his final two seasons, with the Gophers losing in the semifinals last year, followed by a 3-2 overtime loss to Quinnipiac in the championship game last month.He also had a goal and three assists in seven games representing the U....