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In Our Backyard offering winter services, providing jobs to Cambridge Shelter graduatesSouth Korean President Yoon's impeachment fails as his ruling party boycotts vote
Recent articles in The Atlantic and Teen Vogue highlight a troubling trend: College students are increasingly disengaged from reading, prompting a search for scapegoats. From private research universities to small liberal arts colleges, professors have expressed frustration over students’ declining ability to tackle course readings. They’ve had to reduce the number of pages assigned for homework due to dwindling reading stamina and enthusiasm for “academic” texts. But who truly deserves the blame? A significant portion of the criticism is directed at technological devices because the distractions these devices present can severely affect learning. Research has shown that cellphones, tablets and laptops enable students to indulge in distractions, prompting several states to pass legislation aimed at banning cellphones to improve students’ mental health and focus. Others point fingers at standardized testing — and, by extension, K-12 teachers. Standardized tests dominate educational priorities, influencing national and state policy, school rankings and resource distribution. Although many teachers recognize that these tests do little to enhance classroom learning, they remain a central focus. Because of this, some teachers feel obligated to prioritize test preparation, which often favors superficial reading comprehension over deep, sustained engagement with texts and ideas. Consequently, students may find themselves skimming to answer questions rather than appreciating the transformative power of literature, all in pursuit of a passing score on a high-stakes exam. Teachers are not to blame for this predicament. When I was an English teacher in Florida and Georgia — at-will employment states in which an employer can fire an employee for any reason, with or without cause or notice — I understood that improving student test scores was crucial for job security. Despite my passion for reading and my efforts to cultivate literary engagement in my classroom, I was acutely aware that failure to show adequate yearly progress could jeopardize my position. In many states, test scores are linked to merit pay and job stability, placing immense pressure on teachers to deliver results. While it’s easy to point fingers, we must recognize the many layers to this conversation. In many articles about students’ reading abilities, there is an overemphasis on students’ disengagement from canonical texts — those traditionally deemed “classics” that all students should read. Works such as “Wuthering Heights,” “Jane Eyre,” “The Iliad,” “Great Expectations” and “Pride and Prejudice” are often heralded as crucial for understanding the human condition and appreciating humanity’s greatest achievements. While these texts can offer valuable insights, they predominately feature white authors and white protagonists, suggesting that only certain humans are worthy of appreciation. When the canon is prioritized, contemporary, diverse and young adult literature, especially works by and about minoritized people, are often overlooked. By emphasizing a narrow selection of texts, we can alienate students who might connect more deeply with stories that reflect their own experiences. By spotlighting white-centric literature from centuries ago, we risk making reading feel irrelevant to students’ lives, further diminishing their motivation to read. Certainly, technology plays a role in the time students devote to reading, but can we truly blame them for being drawn in? Social media algorithms curate personalized content connected to people’s interests, contrasting sharply with our approach to selecting class texts. Schools, for numerous reasons, tend to favor standardized reading experiences, often ignoring students’ diverse interests and backgrounds. It’s no wonder students aren’t reading complete novels; we’ve categorized the books young people love as not “real” reading. Our educational culture has prioritized test scores over meaningful reading engagement. We’ve communicated that reading matters only when it can be dissected for a test, while students’ interests are sidelined. There are no official statistics tracking the number of complete novels assigned in high school. But reports indicate that assignments requiring students to read full-length novels are becoming less common, and federal data shows teens are reading less than they did a decade ago. Researchers have also noted a decline in young people reading books for pleasure, a trend that continues into adulthood. So, yes, reading in the U.S. is in a state of emergency. Yes, college students — and everyone else — are reading fewer novels. However, if we want to point fingers, we should start with ourselves. We’ve spent so much time blaming each other, young people and books when we could’ve been suggesting solutions. We could advocate for a reduced emphasis on standardized testing and push for increased funding to help schools acquire texts that align with student interests. We could champion diverse and contemporary literature that reflects the lives and experiences of all students. We could call for better funding for teacher education programs to equip educators with the tools they need to match students with texts that might foster a love of reading. The responsibility lies with all of us — educators, policymakers and communities — to create an environment where every student feels inspired to explore the vast world of literature, even if their reading journey occurs outside of our classrooms.
Seventh-seeded Mizzou volleyball lost to SEC rival and No. 3 seed Kentucky 3-1 (25-20, 25-20, 16-25, 25-13) on Thursday in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, ending the Tigers' 2024 season. The biggest challenge for Mizzou during the regional semifinal was putting a defensive stop to Kentucky sophomore outside-hitter Brooklyn DeLeye. DeLeye had a strong performance, ending the match with 22 kills, three service aces and six digs. After MU was handed losses in the first two sets, Mizzou Coach Dawn Sullivan told her squad to "play our volleyball." The Tigers responded in the third set with adjustments at the service line, focusing more on putting the ball in the back row of the Wildcats' defense. The Tigers went on a 8-0 tear with senior libero Kiaraliz Perez Catala serving the ball at the line. Catala surpassed 50 service aces this season during the third set of the match, ending the game with three, all during that run. "We've seen how capable Missouri is on beating top-10 teams, and, you know, they made adjustments," Kentucky volleyball Coach Craig Skinner said in a postgame news conference. During this momentum-building third set, Mizzou right-side hitter Jordan Iliff was putting up a strong offensive effort, effectively using the Kentucky block against it to extend the Tigers' lead. Iliff ended the third set with a 17 kills in the game and a hitting percentage of .400. She finished the game with 20 kills, two service aces and nine digs. "She's unstoppable," ESPN broadcaster Anne Marie Anderson said of Iliff during the third set of the match. However, Kentucky, the SEC regular-season champ, would shut down the Tigers' offense in the fourth and final set, going on a 5-2 scoring run to force Sullivan to take a timeout with the Wildcats leading 12-6. Kentucky's blockers were aggressive toward outside-hitter Mychael Vernon, who was held to just one kill and six errors in Set 4. After the loss, Vernon took to social media reflecting on her final season playing college volleyball as a Tiger. "So proud of this team," Vernon said on an Instagram story following the game. "Couldn't have had a better last year. M.I.Z." The loss eliminates Mizzou from the NCAA Tournament after its fifth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. The Tigers fell in four of those in the regional semifinals, advancing to an Elite Eight only once, in 2005. Throughout their season, the Tigers were a strong Southeastern Conference competitor, ending with a record of 22-9 overall and 11-5 in the SEC. In the other NCAA Tournament Pittsburgh Regional semifinal, No. 1 overall seed Pitt survived a scare from No. 4 seed Oregon, winning in five sets (25-19, 24-26, 25-16, 21-25, 15-12). The host Panthers take on Kentucky for a trip to the Final Four at 4 p.m. Saturday in Pittsburgh.Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save In his letter of Dec. 3 (“Sad, embarrassed, disillusioned”), Bill Lauer asks how we can explain the election of Donald Trump to our children (and lists the many negative attributes of our soon to be president. Here are some explanations I have thought of or read from others: 1. Many Americans are still racist and sexist, and Kamala Harris is a woman with color in her skin. This is the very image that many Americans fear beyond all others. 2. Many of our colleges and universities have stopped teaching psychology, except to psych majors. So very few Americans have the knowledge that would help them recognize the severity of Donald Trump’s multiple mental illnesses. Many of our past presidents have had some level of psychological disturbance, of course, but never anything like what we see in Donald Trump. 3. Our high schools stopped teaching civics/government quite awhile back. So most Americans do not understand how our own government works and what is needed for it to work well. People are also reading... The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County Corvallis chemical manufacturer eyes Albany for expansion UPDATED: GAPS teacher strike NOT off after talks over returning to the classroom break down Recently made-over park sees this change after Albany got an earful Corvallis decides layout for new civic campus — with a side of strife Agreement reached (again), GAPS teachers get new contract Albany man pleads to numerous sex crimes Strike to end, GAPS reaches tentative deal with Albany teachers Philomath moves forward following July Nazi flag controversy Court dismisses jail-related Benton County whistleblower complaint 2025 to bring rate increases, new fee for hauling Corvallis waste Corvallis woman cuts hair for homeless: 'The Lord gave me a calling' OSU football: Beavers add 18 players as signing period opens Graduate employees reach deal with OSU to end strike Family objects to Jefferson man’s sex offense sentence 4. The Democrats failed to appeal to the working class of America. 5. Americans have been angry and scared about the economy for a long time, and we blame whoever is in power. This all began when Ronald Reagan changed the tax laws, so that the rich paid less and the middle class paid more. He gave so much to the rich that it also required gutting social programs for the poor. After several years of “Reagonomics,” people were angry and scared and turned to Bill Clinton. Clinton solved some problems but did not change the tax structure back to what it had been, so the harm to the middle class continued, as did the lack of programs for those that now fell into poverty. Consequently the fear and anger increased, and Americans swapped parties and made George W. Bush the next president. Bush, however, created two more tax cuts for the rich, driving even more middle class folks into poverty. More anger and fear developed, and there was a switch of parties over to Barack Obama. Obama did nothing about changing the tax laws to help the middle class, and folks were so scared and angry that they elected Donald Trump, a man with no political experience or acumen. Trump immediately provided yet another tax cut for the rich at the expense of the middle class, pushing ever more working class folks into poverty and Americans swing, yet again. This time to Joe Biden. Biden did some good things for the economy, in general, but did not change the tax code. So the average American continues to suffer, and in their desperation the American people swung back to Trump. 6. Americans have a long-standing habit of voting against their own best interests. Mark Weiss Mark Weiss lives in Corvallis with his brilliant wife, two cats and a dog. He was a counselor in our community for 39 years. Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!
Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria is gaining speed with news that they have reached the suburbs of the capital of Damascus. The government on Saturday was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels’ moves around Damascus were reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander. They came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions. The factions are by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastically-arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors returned to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.
BRASILIA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - A committee in Brazil's lower chamber of Congress approved a bill on Wednesday that would ban abortion in Brazil in all cases including those currently allowed such as fetal deformation, rape or when the mother's health is in danger. The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, where conservatives have a majority, voted 35-15 to approve a proposal for a constitutional amendment to establish that the inviolability of the right to life applies from the moment of conception and not at birth. The sponsor of the legislation, Chris Tonietto of the right-wing Liberal Party, said the amendment would "ensure that unborn children will enjoy the right to life." The proposed bill will now go to a special committee set up for the issue and discussions are expected to take place early next year. Progressive lawmakers criticized the amendment, calling it a "secular setback" and an attack on women's rights. They said the measure will paralyze research into stem cells and rule out procedures such as in vitro fertilization. "It's a provocation. It is shameless and perverse to say that this is a defense of anyone's life," said Samia Bomfim of the Socialism and Liberty Party. Sign up here. Reporting by Maria Carolina Marcello; Writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Alistair Bell Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab