Thistle Farms: Hope and Healing for Human Trafficking Survivors
NASVILLE, Tenn. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Along with Mexico and the Philippines, the United States is considered one of the worst places for human trafficking. There is not an official total on the number of victims, but the estimates have it in the hundreds of thousands. Many programs focus on getting survivors out of human trafficking, but what will their lives be afterwards?
Texan taxpayers affected by winter storms have two extra months to file their returns this year, IRS says
SAN ANTONIO – The Internal Revenue Service is extending tax season deadlines for Texans affected by last week’s winter storms. Individuals and businesses included in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s recent disaster declaration now have until June 15, 2021, to file their tax returns and pay anything they owe to the IRS. For example, individual tax returns and quarterly estimated income tax payments -- typically due on April 15 -- are now due on June 15. Affected taxpayers can deduct personal property losses not covered by their insurance or through other reimbursements, according to the IRS. For more information on the IRS’s changes for those affected by the winter storms, click here.
Try Kaiti’s Science Lab experiments at home, send video and see yourself on GMSA at 9 a.m.
SAN ANTONIO – Join KSAT meteorologist Kaiti Blake and anchor David Sears Wednesdays on GMSA @ 9 a.m. for Kaiti’s Science Lab. Kaiti uses simple, DIY science experiments to illustrate and teach fun elements about the weather, climate and environment. Send Kaiti and David a video and you might see it on GMSA @ 9 a.m.! Parents and guardians: upload a video of your child performing the science experiment using the portal shown below. Submissions must be original video files and not YouTube or audio files.
Filing a tax return? Here’s what you need to know this year.
SAN ANTONIO – Tax season is right around the corner, and you’ll want to be prepared for some of the changes coming this year before you file. The IRS will use the time before tax season to test its systems due to some tax law changes last year. IRS Free File opened on Jan. 15, so you’re able to begin filing your return now if you have all the documents you need. The IRS says tax preparation software should help you determine what you’re due if you are eligible. RELATED STORIES:San Antonio tax services preparing for season amid pandemicDo you have to pay taxes on unemployment compensation?
Don’t let these 4 myths about depression convince you that you’re making it up
As we look ahead to 2021, here are some depression myths it’s time to leave behind. 2020 might have you feeling depressed, so don’t let these myths convince you that you’re making it up. Antidepressants work great for some people, but there are also other options like talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches. Myth number four: “I need to deal with this alone.” “A lot of people, like myself, don’t talk to others about what they’re going through. They’re going to seem weak.
Research shows 70% of people may suffer from imposter syndrome
If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. “It’s very easy to look around and be like, I don’t, I don’t feel like I belong here. And it’s because I just see what I don’t have,” said Ethan Gwen, a BYU graduate student. “I just felt very inadequate and felt very lost and worried about the future,” said Chelsia Liu, a BYU graduate student. “I wasn’t supposed to be fitting in where I am,” said Matthew Johnson, a BYU graduate student.
Millions of adults are unaware they have ADHD, research shows
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Nine million U.S. adults deal with ADHD, but 85% of them don’t know they have it. While it develops during childhood, some people don’t know they have until they are adults. If it continues to go undiagnosed, it could result in relationship issues, poor work performance, car accidents, and suicidal thoughts. And since 80% of adults with ADHD have trouble sleeping, wind down by turning any lights off 90 minutes before bed. While the true cause is not clear, it is possible ADHD runs in families, so genes may play a role.
GMSA@9 Debrief: ‘KSAT Explains’ takes a look at the COVID-19 vaccine
SAN ANTONIO – This week’s KSAT Explains debrief on GMSA at 9 examines the COVID-19 vaccine and takes a look into the science behind the medicine. Myra Arthur talks to anchors Mark Austin and Stephanie Serna and discusses episode 19, an episode that covers the safety of the vaccine for a better understanding of what it will take to end the pandemic. You can watch or stream the full episode of ‘KSAT Explains’ by clicking here.
GMSA@9 Debrief: ‘KSAT Explains’ takes a look at pandemic’s impact on the arts
SAN ANTONIO – This week’s KSAT Explains debrief on GMSA at 9 examines the push to save live music venues and theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Myra Arthur talks to anchors Mark Austin and Stephanie Serna and discusses episode 18′s look at the pandemic’s impact on the arts and why these venues are so important. You can watch or stream the full episode by clicking here.
WATCH: After 14 years, Officer Marcus Trujillo says goodbye to GMSA
SAN ANTONIO – KSAT on Wednesday said goodbye to Officer Marcus Trujillo, who after 14 years is leaving the GMSA show. He is just as awesome in person as he is on camera,” KSAT morning anchor Stephanie Serna said. He is one of the most honorable people and an asset to SAPD.”SAPD Officer Marcus Trujillo says goodbye on GMSA after 14 years. Trujillo will continue in his role as a San Antonio police officer. “There aren’t words to describe how much Marcus (and all the officers who’ve worked at KSAT) mean to me,” KSAT anchor Mark Austin said.
Letting kids play outside can help boost their immune systems, researchers say
Researchers in Finland say adding natural elements to playtime can positively affect children’s immune systems and micro biomes. According to a study published in the journal “Science Advances”, kids who played in the dirt had stimulated pathways that regulated their immune system. The study consisted of 75 kids being split up and sent to different day cares: nature-oriented, urban day cares, and an “intervention” day care. In the intervention day care, researchers covered parts of the gravel play yards with forest floor and sod, along with planters for growing annuals and peat blocks that kids could dig into and climb on. RELATED: KSAT Kids: Top 5 educational video games that are also fun to play
Study shows how social media can trigger jealousy
With social media apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on the rise, many people’s social skills are decreasing. According to a new study on studyfinds.com, about one-third of people communicate less with their family members and friends because they can follow them on social media. Nearly 60% of those in the study viewed a friend as having a better life because of what they posted on social media while more than 60% of social media users feel worse after finding out someone “unfriended” them online. A total of 54% of social media users feel upset when no one 'liked or commented’ on a picture they posted and nearly half were jealous when they saw a friend had more likes than they did. RELATED: Did social media actually counter election misinformation?
Let your kid’s imagination run free, experts say
Parents of young children know what it’s like to play “pretend.” But now, experts are saying it is more important than ever for kids to let their imagination run free. They say playtime is not only fun for kids, but it’s essential for their growth. According to Good Housekeeping, playing “pretend” is extremely beneficial for your kids. Playing “pretend” can teach them self-control, self-regulation and can increase their concentration. Experts say there are ways for parents to support pretend play and use it to help gauge their children’s emotions.
New study shows which movies are the scariest
But, a recent study conducted by the Website Broadband Choices let its participants watch 120 hours of the scariest horror films of all time, and measured their heartbeats via a heart monitor while watching. Using a baseline average heartbeat of 65 beats per minute, the study watched for how much the viewers' heartbeats jumped during scary scenes. The study showed that the average heart rate was the highest at 86 beats per minute and that number spiked to 131 during a jump scare. The second scariest film, according to the study, was the film “Insidious” from 2010. RELATED: 11 of the best horror movies, TV shows to stream on Netflix this Halloween
GMSA@9 Debrief: ‘KSAT Explains’ examines why this Election Day will be unlike any other
SAN ANTONIO – This week’s KSAT Explains debrief on GMSA at 9 examines voting in Bexar County during a pandemic along with the volatile political climate. Myra Arthur and RJ Marquez talk to anchors Mark Austin and Stephanie Serna and discuss what you can expect to see at the polls, how polling locations have changed in Bexar County and why this year has inspired some people to get more involved in the political process. You can watch or stream the full episode by clicking here.
Woman gives unwanted farm animals a second chance at life
One woman is on a mission to save unwanted farm animals. These are the animals Erin Amerman has rescued since starting her Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary in 2016. Eli and Marley are two of the newest members of Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, which is a haven for abused and abandoned farm animals. To rescue the farm animals that would otherwise be considered useless, such as male calves like Eli who were born in the dairy industry. Erin wants people to see that even though farm animals may not be the cleanest or quietest animals, they still deserve some love.
Kids prefer kids who look most like themselves, study suggests
New Haven, Conn. --- There’s a body of research that suggests by the time kids start school they prefer kids who look most like themselves. And how can parents support kids in a way that will widen their social group? “If you don’t look the same on the outside, it’s okay, because you look the same on the inside,” said six-year-old Mila Moglia. Dunham and his team say kids themselves also play an active role in choosing the information they consume. “So merely by randomly assigning a kid to say the yellow group, if you then ask kids, which group do you like better?
Study suggests drinking coffee as soon as you wake up may be bad for your health
Many of us wake up and go straight for that cup of coffee. A study looked at 29 people who drank a strong, black cup of coffee an hour after they woke up after getting a poor night’s sleep. They looked to see how the coffee impacted blood sugar levels. And doctors agree that elevated blood sugar levels increase the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. If you have a bad night’s sleep, simply make sure to eat breakfast before you drink your cup of coffee.
New ‘Super Mario’ game for Nintendo Switch available as free download for limited time with subscription
Super Mario has been a staple in video games since the original “Super Mario Bros.” was released back in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. But now Nintendo is bringing those fond memories back with an added twist. The company’s latest Mario entry, “Super Mario Bros. 35”, available on Nintendo Switch, matches you up against 34 other Marios in a sort of “battle royale”-type setting. The Nintendo Switch title is available from Oct. 1 until March 31 as a free download for Nintendo online subscribers only. That means you’ll have to pay the $4 per month subscription fee.
GMSA@9 Debrief: KSAT Explains discusses San Antonio’s troubled mass transit history
SAN ANTONIO – This week’s KSAT Explains debrief on GMSA at 9 takes a look at San Antonio’s troubled mass transit history. Myra Arthur talks to anchors Mark Austin and Sarah Acosta to discuss efforts to expand transportation offerings, but the efforts have not been successful. You can watch or stream the full episode of KSAT Explains: San Antonio’s troubled mass transit history right here.
How to spot and report tech scams to the FTC
SAN ANTONIO – Many people are working and learning from home and using their tech more than ever, and with the increased use comes an increased risk for tech support scams. If you come across one of these pop-ups, don’t call the number or click on any links. Never share access to your computer or provide your bank account, credit card or Social Security numbers with anyone who contacts you. And if you need tech support, contact a computer technician you trust or a trusted company. For more information from the FTC on tech scams, click here.
Want to teach your kids about shopping wisely? Here are some tips to help you get started.
SAN ANTONIO Editors Note: This Money: Its Personal story is written using fictional characters to help younger audiences understand the shopping wisely concept. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is offering families like theirs some tips to help them discuss some ways to spend money wisely. Andrew can use a phrase like, Its a good habit to shop around and compare prices before you buy. This can help Diana understand how to shop wisely. Andrew can also use store receipts to help Diana understand the concept of sales tax. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Do you have a junior meteorologist at home?
SAN ANTONIO – We’re looking for junior meteorologists! If the kids are bored at home, we’d love to see a video of them giving the weather forecast. Parents, you can now upload your junior meteorologist videos in the portal shown below. Tune in to GMSA @9 weekdays with Justin Horne to see if your child will be featured. Submissions must be original video files and not YouTube or audio files.
Man captures heart-stopping video of San Antonio Thunderbirds flyover from top of 500-foot tower
SAN ANTONIO – The Air Force Thunderbirds flyover of San Antonio Wednesday was seen by thousands but one man may have had a closer view than most. Robert Romero Jr. told KSAT he captured the flyover “at a tower downtown [near the] San Antonio River Walk on Caesar Chavez Blvd. “We are considered essential workers as well," said. It’s very rewarding knowing that I’m able to connect everyone locally and worldwide without them realizing it,” Romero Jr. said. “I had an amazing view of the Thunderbirds flyover.
WATCH: Thunderbirds fly over San Antonio to thank front line responders to coronavirus pandemic
Published: May 13, 2020, 11:39 am Updated: May 14, 2020, 9:56 amSAN ANTONIO – All eyes were on the skies of San Antonio on Wednesday afternoon as residents hoped to get a glimpse of the Air Force Thunderbirds take flight over the Alamo City. Residents camped out with lawn chairs at various places across San Antonio armed with binoculars ready to watch the flyover of the popular F-16 Fighting Falcons. If you didn’t get a chance to see the aerial show, you can watch it in the video player above from SKY 12. Thunderbirds release flight path for San Antonio flyoverRELATED: Thunderbirds squadron’s origins traced to Kelly FieldInclement weather in the forecast pushed back the originally scheduled start time from 1:20 to 2:20 p.m. The Thunderbirds were originally scheduled to fly over Austin and San Antonio Tuesday but stormy weather pushed back the flyover an additional day.
12 places to watch Thunderbirds fly over San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – NOTE: Forecasted inclement weather in San Antonio and Austin could delay flyover times or postpone the flyover all together, according to social post on the Air Force Thunderbirds Facebook page. The Air Force’s Thunderbirds flyover in San Antonio is scheduled to start around 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, a one hour delay from the originally scheduled time, with the spectacle expected to last approximately 30 minutes, according to AFThunderbirds.com. Watch Thunderbirds fly over San Antonio on KSAT.comRELATED: Thunderbirds set to fly over San Antonio, squadron’s origins traced to Kelly FieldThe Thunderbirds, who were originally scheduled to fly over Austin and San Antonio Tuesday, released their expected flight path on Instagram. You can view the flight path and a view from the cockpit of a past Blue Angels flight here. See a map of the places to watch at the bottom of this article.