The School Board for the School District of Lee County has approved a new contract with the Teachers Association of Lee County.In a joint release made Tuesday night, the district and the teachers union said the agreement reflects "our shared commitment to valuing educators, supporting students, and maintaining one of the most competitive compensation packages in the state of Florida."
Red tide season typically begins in early fall and can persist for months. While the Southwest and central-southwest remain free of harmful algal blooms, the Red Tide is causing problems in parts of the Panhandle.
President Donald Trump caused some confusion earlier Tuesday when he appeared to threaten SNAP benefits unless Democrats voted to reopen the government — despite court orders mandating that the administration keep the nation's largest food program running. Press secretary Karoline Levitt said the administration continues to pay out SNAP funding using contingency funding, which is what two separate judges ordered on Monday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had planned to freeze SNAP payments starting Nov. 1 because of a lapse in funding during the government shutdown. The government says the emergency fund it will use has enough to cover about half the normal benefits.
FGCU social work professor Thomas Felke puts the loss of SNAP benefits in perspective. The problems didn't just start, and the emergency funds that apparently will be used to issue benefits are not enough.