Oct 2, 2024

Japan’s New Currency

For the first time in 20 years, Japan has new banknotes (paper currency). On July 3, 2024, the Bank of Japan introduced new 10,000-yen, 5,000-yen, and 1,000-yen bills. They showcase three important figures in Japan’s history. They also include new features to limit counterfeiting, or illegally making fake money. Another new feature of the banknotes […]

Stuff You Should Know, World

Sep 26, 2024

Mexico’s New Government

Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, will be sworn in on October 1, 2024. She is expected to continue the policies of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Sheinbaum will serve through 2030, as Mexico’s president serves one six-year term. A Background in Science and Government Service Sheinbaum has a background as a scientist, teacher, […]

People and Culture, Stuff You Should Know

Sep 26, 2024

Celebrating National Deaf Awareness Month

Did you know that about 60.7 million Americans ages 12 and older have some form of hearing loss? To bring attention to the achievements and challenges of people with hearing disabilities, National Deaf Awareness Month is celebrated every year in September. Some people with hearing disabilities experience total or almost total hearing loss. They may […]

Current Events, People and Culture, Stuff You Should Know, United States

Sep 16, 2024

Celebrating Hispanic Culture

All ethnicities have unique cultures, histories and contributions. There are over 60 million people in this country who come from Hispanic origin. This month, from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. All over the country, there will be events that aim to highlight the cultural impact of Hispanic Americans […]

Constitution Week, Government, Stuff You Should Know, United States Government: Our Democracy

Sep 16, 2024

Celebrate Constitution Week

On September 17, the United States celebrates an important anniversary. On that date in 1787, 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention added their signature to a document that would become the “supreme law of the land”—the U.S. Constitution. James Wilson, a delegate from Philadelphia, proudly stated that “it is the best form of government which has ever […]

People and Culture, Stuff You Should Know, World

Sep 11, 2024

Severe Drought in Kenya Leads to Cultural Shifts

Kenya is a country in East Africa that is roughly the land area of the state of Texas but with almost two times as many inhabitants. The country’s varied geography includes dry regions in its northeast and a fertile highland region in the west and south and along its Indian Ocean coast. Agriculture is a […]

Stuff You Should Know, Top Stories, United States History

Sep 9, 2024

Remembering 9/11

On September 11, 2001, millions of Americans were going about their business on a regular Tuesday. That morning fourteen members of the terrorist group al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets. The terrorists deliberately crashed two of the planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City causing the buildings to collapse. […]

YOU DECIDE: Should Election Day be a National Holiday?

Stuff You Should Know, You Decide!

Sep 5, 2024

YOU DECIDE: Should Election Day be a National Holiday?

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, is Election Day in the United States. People will be voting for a new president and vice president, along with members of Congress, and state and local issues and candidates. Some voters will have already voted by mail or through early voting. Others will vote in person at their local polling […]

Health, Stuff You Should Know, Top Stories

Aug 29, 2024

Hemen Bekele Wins TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2024

TIME has named Hemen Bekele TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2024 for inventing a skin-cancer fighting bar of soap. Bekele is a 10th grader from Fairfax, Virginia. Bekele’s passion for skin cancer research traces back to his early years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before his family moved to the United States. In Ethiopia, Bekele […]

Stuff You Should Know, World

Aug 29, 2024

Japanese Town Removes Controversial Photo Barrier

Officials in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan have taken down a giant black net that had blocked a popular view of Mount Fuji. This decision comes after months of controversy and backlash from both tourists and locals. This issue highlights the problem of “overtourism” in Japan. Photo Spot Proves Too Popular Mount Fuji is […]