UP AND Down Magazine

Down as General Manager" Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has reportedly announced that he is stepping down as the team's General Manager. This decision comes after years of speculation and criticism from fans and analysts alike, with many questioning Jones' ability to effectively manage the team's roster and make key personnel decisions Key Details: Jones' Legacy*: Jerry Jones has been the Cowboys' owner and General Manager since 1989, leading the team to three Super Bowl victories during his tenure. Criticism and Speculation*: Fans and analysts have long called for Jones to step down as General Manager, citing his age and perceived inability to adapt to the changing NFL landscape. - *Potential Successor*: Stephen Jones, Jerry's son and the team's Executive Vice President, is rumored to be a potential candidate to succeed his father as General Manager Reaction and Impact: The move is seen as a positive step by many Cowboys fans, who have gro...

Rap legend Jay-Z is rumored to be working on a new album, potentially set for release in 2026, with a world tour to follow. According to sources, the Brooklyn-born rapper has been in the recording studio, laying down tracks for what might be a "back-to-roots" album. Insiders claim eight songs have been completed, but details remain scarce, with security measures in place to prevent leaks Director Hidji World recently teased a potential 2024 album project on Instagram, sparking fan speculation. However, Roc Nation quickly responded to the rumors, saying "That's news to us," casting doubt on the claims. Given Jay-Z's history of keeping projects under wraps until release, it's unclear what to believe. This potential new album would mark a significant return to form for Jay-Z, who hasn't dropped a full-length project since 2017's critically acclaimed "4:44". Fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation, and a possible world tour would only add ...

Hip hop, a genre born in the Bronx, New York, has become a global phenomenon, with Africa being one of its most significant beneficiaries. The continent has produced some of the most talented rappers, blending traditional African sounds with modern hip-hop elements to create a unique and captivating musical experience. The Rise of African Hip Hop African hip hop has come a long way since its inception in the 1980s. Today, it's a thriving industry, with artists from different parts of the continent making waves globally. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya have become hubs for hip-hop talent, with artists pushing the boundaries of the genre. Why America Continues to Celebrate Hip Hop Hip hop's significance in America stems from its origins as a form of self-expression and social commentary. It has provided a voice for marginalized communities, addressing issues like racism, inequality, and social justice. The genre's ability to evolve and incorporate d...

Tristan Rogers, the Australian actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Robert Scorpio on the ABC daytime soap opera "General Hospital," has died at the age of 79. Rogers passed away on August 15, 2025, after a battle with lung cance Career Highlights Early Life and Career*: Born on June 3, 1946, in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in various Australian television shows and films. General Hospital*: Rogers' breakout role came in 1980 when he joined the cast of "General Hospital" as Robert Scorpio, a character he played on and off for over four decades. The Young and the Restless*: Rogers also played the role of Colin Atkinson on "The Young and the Restless" from 2010 to 2014. Awards and Recognition Rogers won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Digital Drama Series for his role in the Amazon series "Studio City Legacy Rogers' passing has s...

Actress Jackée Harry recently turned 69 and took to Instagram to share her birthday wishes with her fans. In her post, Harry jokingly mentioned her plans for retirement, saying "69 and still fine!" She humorously added that she thought she'd be retired by now, sipping cocktails in San Diego with a cabana boy on call. Harry's post playfully pokes fun at her current situation, where she's still actively working in the entertainment industry. In fact, she recently joined the second season of the Netflix series "The Man on the Inside" and is set to appear as a guest actor in the upcoming season of "Days of Our The "Sister, Sister" actress's birthday post has garnered attention from fans and followers, who are eagerly awaiting her future projects. With her witty sense of humor and infectious personality, Jackée Harry continues to entertain audiences both on and off screen.[

The Northside community came together for a fun-filled Back-to-School Party at Chick-fil-A Stockyards, where students were treated to a day of excitement and celebration. The event featured the Northside Mariachi, adding a touch of vibrant culture to the festivities. A Community Celebration The Back-to-School Party was a huge success, with students enjoying delicious food, games, and great company. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with their peers and community members, setting a positive tone for the new academic year. Shoutout to Chick-fil-A Stockyards A big thank you to Chick-fil-A Stockyards for hosting this fantastic event and inviting the Northside Eagles and the Northside Mariachi to join in on the fun. Their generosity and commitment to the community are truly appreciated Students in the Community It's heartwarming to see students engaging with their community and participating in events that promote school spirit and camaraderie. Th...

Moon: A new analysis shows these trends vary widely by race, grade level, geography, even schools. What that could mean for the future.A version of this essay appeared on the FutureEd blog. Between fall 2019 and fall 2023, public school enrollment fell from 50.8 million to 49.5 million, a loss of more than 1.2 million students, or 2.5%. The pandemic accelerated that decline, but enrollment was already falling in some grades and communities before COVID, and that trend is expected to continue: The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) projects overall enrollment will fall below 47 million by 2031. Yet a FutureEd analysis based on data from NCES, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other sources, finds that enrollment trends vary widely by race, grade level, geography and schools. That variation offers important insight into how the education landscape is shifting, where the challenges are most acute and what it means for the future of the public school system. ...

Advocates worry confusion over shifting rules will make children miss out on tablets, glasses, hearing aids and therapy that help in the classroom.Speech therapist Anne Marie Carey sits on the rug at Galvin Therapy Center west of Cleveland, Ohio with toddler Ryin Johnson holding a tablet while she places a bright plastic ring on a rod. “I have some more,” Carey says to the 2 1/2 year old, picking up another ring. “Should we put it on? I’m gonna do it with you.” She takes Ryin’s hand and presses a finger to the tablet so a recorded voice says “More,” before adding the second ring to the cone. “More!” Carey calls out. “I got more. Yay!” This activity is more than just a game. Ryin has autism and is nonverbal, so he also receives behavioral therapy. His attention often drifts as he and Carey interact. But the tablet, once Ryin can use it himself, is a tool that may unlock his ability to communicate and learn when he starts preschool in the fall. It might even help him eventually sp...

School leaders and experts applaud passage of $8.5 billion education bill, with targeted spending for teacher raises and preparation programs, A decade ago, Texas decided to ease up on its certification requirements and open an alternative pathway for new teachers. The result: More than half of the state’s new public school teachers have no certification, and nearly 1 in 5 haven’t even graduated from college. What’s more, these changes have contributed to weaker student outcomes and continued teacher turnover, research shows. Advocates are hopeful that change is coming: This June, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 2, a historic $8.5 billion piece of legislation devoted to increasing education funding across the state, with a particular focus on teacher training and retention. It includes almost $190 million specifically devoted to teacher preparation and certification programs, as well as $4 billion for teacher and staff pay raises to keep high-quality teachers in the cla...