(WNS)-- The list of entertainers, journalists, and politicians accused of sexual misconduct got so long last week that The New York Times compiled an interactive chart to keep track of it. A new age of accountability for sexual aggression has dawned, spurred by some notable changes in news reporting. First, women are more willing to go on the record with their stories and let journalists identify them by name. For decades, media accounts of sexual misconduct were easier to discount … [Read more...]
Iraq declares end of war with ISIS
IRAQ (BP) -- Iraq officially declared victory in its war on Islamic State (ISIS) on Saturday (Dec. 9) after more than three years of fighting. ISIS overran nearly a third of Iraqi territory including Mosul, the country's second largest city, in the summer of 2014. In November, Iraqi forces retook Rawah, the last Iraqi town held by ISIS, before continuing to push the extremists out of the country's western deserts. A U.S.-led coalition has backed the Iraqi military throughout the … [Read more...]
GOP tax bill gives boost to school choice
(WNS) - A provision in the Republican tax reform plan would provide more school-choice options for families saving for their children’s education. Under the GOP proposal, parents could use up to $10,000 per year from a 529 education savings account to pay for K-12 schooling. The law currently restricts funds from those accounts, whose earnings are not taxed, to go toward expenses related to higher education. “This is a good step forward, reflecting that education should be an investment … [Read more...]
The screen’s the thing: Parents and kids can’t turn off the TV or phone
(WNS) – When it comes to screen time, many parents are ignoring pediatricians’ recommendations, a study released Thursday by Common Sense Media found. The survey looked at media use habits among children ages 0-8 and found several alarming statistics: Nearly half (49 percent) of all children ages 8 and under sometimes or often use screen media in the hour before bedtime, something the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns against because screen exposure can affect melatonin levels … [Read more...]