Lifestyle
Educating School Districts About the Importance of Clean Transportation
Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Although most school districts have implemented technology that makes it easy to connect with teachers, you may still wonder how to create dialogue within your district about larger scale issues than your child’s homework assignments.
One example is sustainability, which is an issue many parents feel strongly about. Opening conversations with leaders in the school district can result in many kinds of eco-friendly changes, such as a greater commitment to recycling and teaching kids about the importance of protecting the environment. Transportation is another area where districts can make more sustainable choices, which can also save money over time.
School Districts
Most of the school buses on the road today run on diesel, which is known to cause respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. There are two primary energy alternatives to diesel for clean student transportation: propane and electric. While both can achieve clean transportation, the cost to do so is not equal.
Propane is a fraction of the cost for the initial bus purchase and infrastructure is affordable, scalable and available in communities across the country. What’s more, propane has a range of 400 miles, allowing a sizable vehicle like a bus to reliably travel long distances without stopping to refuel.
If you’d like to talk with your school district about reducing emissions in your community and saving money for your district’s budget, consider these tips:
Compile Information to Share
Your concerns are more likely to attract attention if you collect meaningful details and data to support your request. In addition to statistics and research that explain why your school district should reconsider traditional diesel transportation, you might also gather information on the district’s transportation expenses. You can make your points more relevant by learning about how other districts in your area are making sustainable choices like choosing propane buses.
Write a Letter to District Officials
Once you thoroughly research and organize the details most relevant to your community, you can begin to share it with others. One important step is a letter to the school district that documents your concerns and conveys the importance of clean, safe, healthy transportation for children. The key is to not only spell out the harm being caused, but also to provide a viable solution.
Educate District Officials
Once you’ve gone on record with a letter, you can work to educate leaders in the school district about clean energy buses. Often, a school board meeting is the most efficient way to open this dialogue because you can address the entire board at once. An added benefit is other members of the community who are deeply interested in school operations are likely to attend, and reporters covering the school district may also hear and report on your information, which can spread word to the larger community.
Call a Parent-Teacher Meeting
Working together, parents and teachers have a strong voice within the school system. A meeting among like-minded parents and teachers can be a forum for you to collectively develop a strategy for gathering further support for your cause, educating about the importance of the issue and ultimately driving change for your community.
Visit BetterOurBuses.com to find resources to talk to your school district about important matters like switching to propane school buses.
SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council
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expo
DEWALT Doubles Down on Cordless Concrete Power at World of Concrete 2026
DEWALT will showcase its latest innovations at World of Concrete 2026, emphasizing that cordless tools are now the industry standard. Highlights include the powerful DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ 12 in. Cut-Off Saw and a demolition hammer designed for heavy-duty tasks. Additional tools for concrete applications, including a chemical sprayer, will also be introduced.
DEWALT is heading into World of Concrete 2026 (Jan. 20–22 in Las Vegas) with a clear message for jobsite pros: cordless isn’t a compromise anymore—it’s the new benchmark. In a new announcement, the Stanley Black & Decker brand says it will debut expanded “total concrete solutions,” anchored by two major additions to its DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ lineup and fresh 20V MAX* XR® tool releases aimed at concrete workflows from cutting and demolition to forming and chemical application.

The headline: a cordless cut-off saw that claims the top spot—period
The most attention-grabbing reveal is the DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ 12 in. Cut-Off Saw (DCPS612AG2), which DEWALT calls “the most powerful cordless cut-off saw in the industry” across power source (battery or gas) and blade size (12 or 14 in.). The company says the saw can cut up to 4-3/4 inches deep through concrete, rebar, ductile iron, and more—while avoiding the noise and fumes associated with gas.
On performance, DEWALT highlights runtime metrics like cutting up to eight linear feet of concrete at 4-3/4 inches deep or making up to 156 cuts in #5 rebar on a single charge. Safety and control get a nod too, with an electric brake designed to stop the blade in as little as three seconds after the trigger is released. The saw is expected to be available in fall 2026, kitted with two POWERSHIFT™ batteries and a charger.
A demolition hammer built for the “most demanding applications”
Also joining the POWERSHIFT™ system is the 1-1/8 in. Hex Demolition Hammer (DCPS966AG2), delivering up to 45 joules of impact energy (per EPTA-Procedure 05-2009). DEWALT positions it for heavy-duty demolition work, pairing an all-metal housing with SHOCKS Active Vibration Control® to reduce fatigue.
The tool also includes WIRELESS TOOL CONTROL, allowing users to sync and remotely activate compatible dust extractors (sold separately). Availability is slated for spring 2026, either as a bare tool or as a kit with two POWERSHIFT™ batteries and a charger.
20V MAX* XR® updates: faster forming + concrete spraying support
Beyond POWERSHIFT™, DEWALT is expanding its 20V MAX* XR® lineup with tools that target common concrete job tasks:
- Brushless 21° Plastic Collated Duplex Nailer (DCN910B): Built for concrete forming, temporary bracing, and scaffolding. DEWALT says it delivers up to 3X productivity versus manual nailing (based on its stated test conditions). Available now (tool only), with matching collated duplex nails sold separately.
- Brushless Concrete Chemical Sprayer (DCCS1100B): Designed for concrete spraying applications, with up to 150 PSI, a 10-speed adjustable flow rate up to 0.8 GPM, backpack straps for mobility, and six changeable nozzles. Expected early 2026 (tool only or kitted).
Where to see it
DEWALT says attendees can find the brand in the Silver Lot at Booth #O31324, with interactive demos, giveaways, and events during the show.
For more details, DEWALT points readers to: https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4594464-1&h=2600186824&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdewalt.com%2Fworld-of-concrete-2026&a=dewalt.com%2Fworld-of-concrete-2026
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Consumer Corner
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Hardwood Floors
Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Hardwood floors come in a variety of types. Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to recognize the type of floor – and its finish – in your home.
Whether solid wood or engineered wood (multiple layers of wood veneer), each flooring type has specific cleaning needs. The same is true for the type of finish used, including durable and water-resistant surface finishes like polyurethane and polycrylic or penetrating finishes such as oil or wax, which require more meticulous care to ensure longevity and maintain shine.
Transform your hardwood floors from dull to dazzling with these cleaning tips.
- Prepare the Area: Remove furniture and rugs from the room to ensure you can clean every inch of the floor. Check for any debris or dirt that can be swept away with a soft-bristle broom or vacuumed using a hardwood floor vacuum attachment.
- Dust and Sweep: Thoroughly sweep the floor to remove dust and dirt. Use a microfiber mop to capture finer particles the broom might miss.
- Spot Clean: Identify any stubborn stains or spots. Use a damp cloth and small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to gently scrub these areas. Avoid harsh chemicals (including vinegar and ammonia), abrasive scrubbers and soaked cloths to prevent damage to the wood or finish.
- Mop the Floor: Fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Dip the microfiber mop into the solution, wring out excess water and mop the floor following the grain of the wood. Work in small sections to prevent water from sitting on the floor too long. Note: Excessive water can seep into the wood and cause swelling, warping or mold growth.
- Dry the Floor: Immediately after mopping, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the floor to remove any remaining moisture and streaks before walking on it.
- Prevent Long-Term Danage: Place doormats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture before they reach your floors. Use area rugs in high-traffic areas, felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, which can impact wood stability.
- Maintain the Shine: Apply a hardwood floor polish every few months according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Test the polish in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your floor’s finish.
For more home maintenance guidance, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com
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Health
5 Rare Kidney Diseases You May Not Know About
The article highlights five rare kidney diseases, including IgA Nephropathy, APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Cystinosis, and Complement 3 Glomerulopathy. These conditions, often misunderstood or undiagnosed, emphasize the importance of awareness and education to improve early detection and management, particularly for those affected.

5 Rare Kidney Diseases You May Not Know About
(Family Features) While the leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes, many other factors can lead to kidney disease and failure – including a collection of rare and genetic conditions. According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Today, 30 million Americans are living with rare diseases.
This Rare Disease Day, observed on Feb. 28 worldwide, the American Kidney Fund is committed to improving the understanding of rare kidney diseases by providing educational resources.
IgA Nephropathy
An autoimmune disease, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is related to improper function of the immune system. IgAN causes the immune system to produce abnormal antibodies, which build up in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and reducing the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid, causing damage and potentially leading to kidney failure.
According to NORD, approximately 70% of rare diseases begin in childhood, which was the case for Malkia White. She had no symptoms – the only indication of her kidney problem was protein and blood in her urine detected through a routine test. She was diagnosed with IgAN but continued living her life without any changes – the disease was so rare, little was known at the time about how to manage it.
“From 6 years old to the age of 42, I maintained my medical appointments and lived an active lifestyle,” White said. “I was an honor student. I was always in dance class. In high school, I was in a marching band and on the field hockey team. In that time period, I was being checked. It never occurred to me, or my family, to investigate or research [IgAN].”
APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Known as AMKD, this is a spectrum of kidney diseases associated with variants (mutations) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene. Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, but mutations of the gene can raise the chance of rapidly progressive kidney disease in people of western and central African descent.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys. There are two forms of PKD: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The former is more prevalent, accounting for about 9 of 10 cases of PKD.
Cystinosis
A rare, multisystem genetic disease, cystinosis accounts for nearly 5% of all childhood cases of kidney failure, although some people with cystinosis do not develop kidney disease until they’re teens or adults. Caused by mutations in the CTNS gene, cystinosis happens when cystine, a component of protein, builds up in your body’s cells. Too much cystine causes crystals to form and can damage organs including kidneys, eyes, pancreas, liver and brain.
Complement 3 Glomerulopathy
With complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a part of the immune system called the complement system becomes overactive and doesn’t work properly, leading to damage and inflammation in the kidneys. Specifically, it damages the kidneys’ glomeruli, which help kidneys filter toxins out of the blood. It can cause kidney failure in about half of adults who are diagnosed with the disease.
Michelle Farley had a hard time getting her C3G diagnosis despite high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat in her youth and suffering from daily vomiting and weekly headaches while in college. After a trip to her college medical center, she discovered her blood pressure was so high she was at risk for stroke or heart attack. Bloodwork determined she had markers for kidney disease, but she wouldn’t receive a full diagnosis until she was 25.
“I was left undiagnosed for almost 22 years due to preconceived notions of how disabilities and sicknesses should ‘look’ on the outside and how old you need to be to have a chronic disease,” Farley said. “I think it’s important to spread awareness about rare kidney diseases so patients can be diagnosed faster and more accurately. I always wonder how long I could have maintained my native kidneys if I was diagnosed as a child.”
Learn more about rare kidney diseases and the Rare Kidney Disease Action Network by visiting kidneyfund.org.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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