World War II’s American “Ghost Army”
During World War II (1939-1945), a top-secret U.S. Army unit had a unique mission: to confuse and trick German soldiers. The men were sworn to secrecy, even after the war. Many died without ever telling anyone, including their own families. Finally, in March 2024, the “Ghost Army” received the Congressional Gold Medal for its role […]
Warmer Weather Brings Cherry Blossoms
The flowering cherry tree grows throughout the world in mild climates. In Japan, the tree is called sakura. It is planted as an ornamental tree and has played an important role in the culture of Japan. In springtime, the flowering cherry tree produces pink and white flowers called cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms do not […]
Women’s History Month: Nellie Bly
In the late 1800s, women reporters were rare. Even if a newspaper had a female reporter on staff, she would often be given assignments labeled “women’s interests”–such as fashion, gardening, or social events. Nellie Bly was not such a woman. She was fearless in her reporting and pushed to write impactful stories. Bly’s innovative investigative […]
Discovery of 240-Million-Year-Old Reptile Species
Two-hundred-forty-million years ago, a serpent-like creature swam the seas near southern China. Based on newly discovered fossils, scientists say the creature looked like a mythical Chinese dragon with a long neck, torpedo-shaped body, and long tail. In February 2024, an international team of scientists unveiled the entire fossilized body for the first time. The reptile […]
Stolen Art Returned to Japan
A surprising discovery was made in 2023 in the attic of a Massachusetts home. While sorting through their late father’s belongings, the children of a World War II veteran stumbled upon a collection of Japanese antiques. Astonishingly, there were 22 pieces hidden away. The oldest items dated back to the 1700s. The family reported their […]
Caitlin Clark Smashes the Records on Court and with the Crowd
Caitlin Clark, a senior with the University of Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, has broken numerous records throughout her four-year career at the school. Not only has she excelled at basketball, but Clark is also responsible for an economic boom in college sports. Basketball Beginnings Clark was born on January 22, 2002, and grew up […]
Women’s History Month: Margaret Booth, Pioneering Film Editor
Women were firmly established in the film editing industry for more than a century before Jennifer Lame won the 2024 Academy Award for Film Editing of the movie Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer is 181 minutes long. That is 11 miles long of movie film that weighs 650 pounds. However, digital software has made editing film much easier […]
Gang Violence in Haiti Leads to Prime Minister’s Resignation
The country of Haiti is in a state of turmoil. Haiti’s acting prime minister, Ariel Henry, has been searching for solutions to his nation’s many problems. These include a cholera outbreak and increasing gang violence. In early March 2024, Henry visited the African country of Kenya to discuss military aid to help police Haiti. However, […]
Women’s History Month: Women Airforce Service Pilots
At the height of World War II, more than 1,000 women volunteered for U.S. military jobs that women had never held. They were aviation pioneers who made significant contributions to support the United States and its Allied partners in the war. Called to Serve The United States entered World War II on December 8, 1941. […]
SAT Test Now Fully Digital
For the first time in the United States, students taking the SAT college entrance exam this spring will use a computer instead of paper and pencil. The test is now completely online. In the fall of 2021, the College Board (the organization that administers the SAT) tested a pilot version outside the United States. This […]