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There are nearly 10,000 books banned from Texas prisons. Here's why.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Marshall Project worked for a year to establish a list of books banned in prisons across the U.S. The number of titles banned varies from state to state. Keri Blakinger, a journalist with the nonprofit, found in Rhode Island only 68 books were banned, but in Texas, there were nearly 10,000. Other states were unable to provide any data on which books are banned and others did not keep a list at all. In total, Blakinger found there are 54,000 recorded books incarcerated people across the country cannot access in prisons. Banned Book Library highlights challenged, revoked titles in public libraries, schools "One of the sort of striking trends was how much variation there is," Blakinger told KXAN. "There are some states that have fairly punitive prison systems, some southern states that can be fairly aggressive that actually had fairly small banned book lists," she said. "And then you have Florida that bans somewhere around 20,000." Blakinger said through her work ...

Venus and Jupiter take centerstage in the night sky this month

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) - If you love stargazing, this month has some great opportunities to see the planets in action. According to Lara Eakins, Public Outreach Program Coordinator with the University of Texas' Department of Astronomy, "there's not any one big spectacular thing going on. But there's a kind of a good chance to see some of the regular patterns that occur throughout the year." Planet Palooza! When 5 planets will be visible in the night sky One of the coolest thing you can see this month is Venus and Jupiter in a dance."Anyone who was out looking for the past few weeks will probably notice there have been two bright objects low in the West after sunset, and they've gradually switched places."According to Eakins, for the past few weeks Jupiter was the higher bright object and Venus was the lower one. Now, the two objects have switched places, with Jupiter nearing the horizon.The moon will soon pass by these two planets in the sky. "On the evening of Wednesday, March 22, shortly...

DEC adds same-day reservations at all campgrounds

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) — Same-day reservations will now be available at all New York State campgrounds. The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the change Thursday. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! “DEC is excited to make some changes and updates to this year’s reservation window for DEC campgrounds,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “While many campers book weeks or months in advance, there continues to be a high demand for last-minute bookings. Adding same-day reservations will allow our customers to check availability and book a reservation on their way to a campground. An additional 17 hours to book a camping stay will ensure sites are available before arriving and prevent anyone from arriving to a full campground.”Reservations will be required, and patrons can now book a camping reservation as late as 5 p.m. on the desired day of arrival. The public will also be able to book a one-night stay ...

5 things to know this Friday, March 17

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here's wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. Meteorologist Jill Szwed said a wee bit of rain will fall this afternoon. She suggested you add rain gear to your green ensemble today. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! March Madness is taking over the Capital Region this weekend. See how local businesses are planning to take advantage, and stay up to date on the schedule, in this morning's five things to know.1. Local businesses hope for boost from NCAA TournamentBasketball fans from across the country are in Albany through this weekend for the NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. For local businesses, especially those situated near the festivities, there’s hope that the influx of people will provide a big boost. Local businesses hope for boost from NCAA Tournament 2. NCAA Tournament brings multiple players, coaches with local ties back to Capital RegionThe Ma...

Meet the young Irish dancers competing internationally

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Students from the An Clár School of Irish Dance will be traveling all across the Capital Region to perform for St. Patrick’s Day. Before the day of festivities, we met up with 4 World Qualifiers and their instructor, Lexa Hickey, to learn more about the art form of Irish Step Dance.' Digital Exclusive: NEWS10’s Cassie Hudson learns to Irish step dance According to Hickey, Irish dance is so much more than just "Irish dance" and is not just for those of Irish heritage. Through Irish dance at An Clár, students will enjoy all the benefits of dance: coordination, physical activity/exercise, self discipline, listening skills, socialization, and fun, with the added benefit of exposure to a centuries-old culture. Albany Irish dance school stepping it up for St. Patrick’s Day In early April, Hayden, Ainsley, Mackenzie And Damian will compete at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Montreal, Canada. For many in these group, they were dancing as soon as they beg...

Entries due soon for Capital Region poetry slam

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

RENSSELAER, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The first annual Capital Region Poetry Slam will take place at The Doane Stuart School on April 18 at 7 p.m. The region-wide event is open to high school students in grades 9-12. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Students are invited to register and submit their poems online by March 31. A select group of entrants will then be invited to participate in the live event on April 18. A panel of five judges, ranging from a John Hopkins professor to a well-known author, will evaluate student performances. The first-place student will go home with $500, with $250 and $100 going to the second-and-third-place finishers, respectively. An interview with Joseph Bruchac, Saratoga Springs’ first Poet Laureate “This has the potential to really make a significant impact on a child’s future," said Marcy Cathey, Head of School at Doane Stuart. "We’re thrilled that it’s happening at Doane Stuart because helping o...

St. Patrick's Day celebrations happening today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

ST. LOUIS - People are getting ready to celebrate Irish culture with the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Dogtown.Locals are advised to dress for the windy weather, and to remember to wear green. The parade has been a tradition in the area since 1984. The Irish festival starts at 9:00 a.m., and is divided into three zones.One is for families, another is called the 'Party Zone,' and there is also an Irish Cultural Zone. The 'Family Zone' has activities from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Oakland Avenue, just east of Tamm Avenue near the Oakland Playground and Turtle Park. The Party Zone is located in Clayton and Art Hill - and has food and drinks before and after the parade. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News SIGN UP NOW You can enjoy Irish coffee, corned be...

Free Narcan training taking place today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

ALTON, Ill. -  St. Anthony's Health Center in Alton, Illinois is hosting a special training Friday on how to use Narcan.The prescription drug is used as a treatment for drug overdoses. The hospital's healthy Workplace Lunch and Learn Program is at noon Friday. Trending: Black bear and elk hunting seasons set in Missouri Illinois health officials said that opioid deaths in the state increased nearly 300% between 2013 and 2021.

Get home safely with free Lyft and Uber rides

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

ST. LOUIS - If your holiday plans include enjoying some adult beverages, make sure you can get home safely.Breakthru Beverage Missouri and Jim Beam are offering 2,000 free rides home through Lyft.  They will be available across Missouri from 2:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. Saturday. Trending: Black bear and elk hunting seasons set in Missouri Just enter the code BBGSTLPAT23 on the Lyft app. Quiet Man Irish Whiskey is offering free rides on Uber - up to $15 each.You can scan the qr code wherever their whiskey is sold.

Eckert's Farm hosting 'Sham-Rock & Roll' event Friday evening

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:28:25 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Eckert's Farm is holding their 'Sham-Rock & Roll' event Friday evening.The Old Salt Duo will perform live starting at 6:00 p.m. there will be plenty of St. Patty's Day-themed food like green deviled eggs and a corned beef, and cabbage slider. Trending: Black bear and elk hunting seasons set in Missouri Guests can also choose between Eckert's classic hard ciders, or their St. Patrick's Day specialty cocktails. The fun runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.