Surge in domestic tourism with 12.9mn visitors
EDUCATION | GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS When Massachusetts voters decided to ditch the state's standardized tests as a high school graduation requirement on Election Day, they joined a trend that has steadily chipped away at the use of high-stakes tests over the past two decades. The vote on the ballot question leaves only seven states with mandatory graduation exams, a number that could soon shrink further. A backlash to standardized tests has been fueled by complaints they take up too much classroom time and questions about how well they measure readiness for college or careers. It gained steam in recent years with concerns about equity and learning setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Massachusetts, a teachers union led the campaign against the graduation requirement, arguing it was keeping too many students from receiving a diploma and weighing too heavily on choices about school curriculum. The other side received backing from prominent business leaders including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and state officials including Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat. "We shouldn't have different expectations for students depending on which ZIP code they live in," Healey said. "We should have a uniformity to our expectations and they should be high for our students and our families." The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests are given in mathematics, science and technology, and English. The ballot question didn't end the tests, which are also used for assessing student progress. But passing them will no longer be required for a diploma. About 1% of high school seniors in Massachusetts, roughly 700 students, are denied a diploma each year because they failed the MCAS despite meeting other requirements. Most are English language learners or students with disabilities. Other states could abandon similar tests In the mid-2000s, a high of 27 states required students to pass an exam to graduate, according to the National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers union. The states that still have them, for now, are New York, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia. In New York, state officials this month proposed a timeline to phase out exit exam requirements as part of an overhaul of graduation standards. Students would still take Regents exams in math, English, science and social studies, but beginning in the 202728 school year, passing scores would no longer be required for a diploma. The plan would give students alternatives like community service or capstone projects to demonstrate proficiency. Earlier this year, the Florida Senate passed a bill that would remove testing requirements for high school graduation, but the push stalled in the House. In New Jersey, a bill to end the state's graduation exam passed the state Assembly last year but then failed to pass the Senate. In Ohio, students must pass tests in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies to graduate. Louisiana also requires students to pass a test and is the only state without an appeals process. In Texas, students must pass end-of-course assessments in algebra, English, biology and U.S. history. Debate continues over how to measure readiness Harry Feder, executive director of FairTest, which opposes the use of tests as graduation requirements, said it makes sense to shift away from the tests he calls a "cheap and easy way" to conduct education. "What we want out of high school grads isn't measured very well by a standardized test," he said, including whether students are critical thinkers, problem solvers or able to collaborate. Critics say easing the graduation requirement will result in lower standards. "The vote against the MCAS is yet another sign of the overwhelming power of the teachers unions in blue states, and will turn Massachusetts diplomas into nothing but participation trophies," said Michael Petrilli, president of the right-leaning Fordham Institute. Financial support for the elimination of the Massachusetts test requirement largely came from teachers unions, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, which contributed millions in direct and in-kind donations, and the NEA, which donated at least $500,000. On the other side, Bloomberg contributed $2.5 million to the campaign in favor of keeping the requirement. Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy said teachers have been speaking out against the requirement for more than a decade. "Students who were passing their courses were being denied diplomas because of this requirement," they said. "Educators were forced to narrow the curriculum in order to teach to the high-stakes test." Ultimately, Massachusetts voters approved getting rid of the MCAS as a graduation requirement by a margin of 59% to 41%. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Victor Wembanyama Plays 1-On-1 Chess With Fans in New YorkThere is an ongoing, concerted assault on public education. This statement was not generated to be alarmist nor sensationalist, but rather to illuminate some of the considerable tensions public educators and stakeholders are presently navigating. Cognizant of recent political developments, we must be vigilant in proactively safeguarding quality public education in Manitoba. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * There is an ongoing, concerted assault on public education. This statement was not generated to be alarmist nor sensationalist, but rather to illuminate some of the considerable tensions public educators and stakeholders are presently navigating. Cognizant of recent political developments, we must be vigilant in proactively safeguarding quality public education in Manitoba. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Opinion There is an ongoing, concerted assault on public education. This statement was not generated to be alarmist nor sensationalist, but rather to illuminate some of the considerable tensions public educators and stakeholders are presently navigating. Cognizant of recent political developments, we must be vigilant in proactively safeguarding quality public education in Manitoba. The implications regarding the outcome of the United States presidential election cannot be understated, as proposed educational reforms will have global reverberations. Project 2025, the now infamous 900-plus page policy framework designed to restructure the bureaucratic infrastructure of American democracy, appears to be on track to becoming a reality. Within the expansive document, there are highly controversial recommendations for the next administration to disrupt public education. These guidelines include dismantling the U.S. department of education; legislatively enshrining “parental rights”; expanding school choice (promoting faith-based and/or elite schools for affluent families); promoting “patriotic education”’; and rejecting “gender ideology and critical race theory.” Although U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has disavowed his associations with this policy framework, his comments have generally affirmed his allegiance to the authors’ intentions. These positions were succinctly encapsulated in his statement: “On day one, I will sign a new executive order to cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, transgender insanity and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children.” Educational reforms have begun across the United States, particularly in Florida, Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma, among other states. In Florida, teachers are now legally mandated (via state curricula) to teach the vocational “benefits” of slavery and are occupationally forbidden to engage in gender and/or sexual orientation discussions with students. In Oklahoma, teachers are legislated to teach the Bible as a part of public educational programming. Perhaps unsurprisingly, teacher demoralization, burnout and attrition are emerging issues in the United States. This trend is reflective of a worldwide phenomenon, as the United Nations continues to issue stark warnings of a looming global teacher shortage. In the United States, the situation is dire in various jurisdictions, as some local school boards resort to hiring underqualified individuals (such as parental volunteers) to fill vacant positions. While many of us may assume we are immune from the escalating divisive rhetoric south of our border, I can assure that such manifestations have begun locally. These local developments include proposals for book banning; escalating threats and distrust toward teachers and school trustees; advancing the “parental rights” narrative; and residential school denialism. There are also ongoing advocacies to reform public school function. Bill 64, as an example, was proposed legislation to significantly restructure and disrupt Manitoba public school democratic governance. Of the proposed changes, perhaps the most notable revision pertained to large-scale amalgamations of school divisions (reducing Winnipeg to a single metro division), and replacing democratically elected trustees with government appointees. This recommendation was publicly presented as a means to bolster financial efficiency. However, had such legislation succeeded, the power and influence of educational trajectories would have been consolidated to an oligarchical few. For example, under this proposed framework, a single superintendent would have had the authority to oversee education of all children and youth for the entire city, being accountable to government appointees (rather than elected officials representing local community voices). Now more than ever do we need to support our public schools and our teachers. There is a disconcerting rise in the distrust toward our teachers, labelling these workers as politically laden proselytizers aiming to convert children and youth. As teachers, supporting our diverse Indigenous, racialized, LGBTTQ+, disabled youth is our legal and professional responsibility. Teachers are ethically and legally obligated to adhere to the Manitoba Human Rights Code and are tasked with ensuring school learning spaces are safe and welcoming to all children and youth. To remain silent and render students’ diverse identities invisible would be a breach of professional conduct and an ethical travesty. All students should be cherished, welcomed and celebrated for their authentic selves and should be reflected in public school programming. We must resist any reforms that compromise the sanctity of human rights or democratic infrastructures, but rather strive to bolster quality public education in Manitoba. Jordan Laidlaw is a teacher, union activist, Ph.D. candidate and member of People4PublicEducation. Advertisement AdvertisementA soiled pair of underwear and a rough haircut were amongst the complaints investigated by police as potential non-crime hate incidents (NCHI) it has been revealed. The first incident occurred in September 2021 with North Wales Police receiving the complaint that neighbours had “hung a very large, soiled pair of underpants on their washing line” for the past two months.” The force categorised the complaints as an NCHI as the alleged victim had an Italian surname and the incident happened in the wake of Italy’s victory over England in the European Championship final , the Telegraph reports . The incident summary reports: “Known offenders have hung a very large soiled pair of underpants on their washing line, they have been there for over two months. “The IP [injured party] believes that [they] are aimed at her because she has an Italian surname and it is in regards to the football.” In the year leading up to this June, more than 13,000 such complaints were recorded by police across the country. These included a “rough haircut” given to a Russian-speaking Lithuanian after a discussion with his barber about the ongoing war in Ukraine . Other reports include a German woman being called a “rottweiler” and a suspected homophobic remark after a man was called a “leonard” during a hedge dispute. A primary school-aged child was also investigated for calling another a “retard” and a secondary school pupil was spoken to after telling a classmate that they smelt “like fish”. On Thursday, the head of the police standards body warned that the way police recorded non-crime incidents threatened to undermine public confidence in officers . Lord Herbert, chairman of the College of Policing, said trust was being damaged by the perception that forces were getting involved in “mere disputes” at the expense of tackling crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. According to the College of Policing, a non-crime hate incident is “any incident where a crime has not been committed, but where it is perceived by the reporting person or any other person that the incident was motivated by hostility or prejudice.” Hostility or prejudice can be based on factors such as race, sexuality, religion, disability or gender and can be recorded where the alleged behaviour falls short of criminal activity, but the surrounding circumstances suggest that the behaviour may contribute to – or become evidence of – a course of criminal conduct.
Ukraine says war has damaged most of its civilian airports
The Las Vegas Raiders had the element of surprise on their side on Sunday. During the second quarter of their divisional game against the Denver Broncos , the Raiders decided to bust out an extremely gutsy fake punt. Facing a 4th-and-4 from their own 36-yard line, Raiders punter AJ Cole faked the kick and then threw it downfield to receiver Tre Tucker. The gimmick worked as the Broncos were caught completely off-guard, enabling Tucker to get all the way down to the Denver 30-yard line. Take a look at the video of the play. RAIDERS FAKE PUNT pic.twitter.com/sJ2KQOyLfw — SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) November 24, 2024 The Raiders were able to get a field goal out of the continued drive and took a 13-9 lead into the half as a result. That was a really bold call there by Las Vegas, especially from inside their own territory and while going up against an elite defense in the Broncos. While they are just 2-8 this year, the Raiders still have plenty in their bag ( apparently including fakes straight out of Dan Campbell’s playbook ). This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. Has $7.19 Million Position in DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE)
Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. FOR THE SECOND TIME 🏆🏆 Luke Humphries retains his 2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals title, beating Luke Littler 11-7 in the final. pic.twitter.com/QUhxvSbGeu — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 24, 2024 “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” HUMPHRIES GOES BACK-TO-BACK! 🏆 Luke Humphries retains his Players Championship Finals title! Cool Hand puts on an absolute clinic to defeat Luke Littler 11-7 in an epic final! 📺 https://t.co/AmuG0PMn18 #PCF2024 | Final pic.twitter.com/nZDWPUVjWE — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 24, 2024 Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”Chandigarh: The Haryana Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, on Saturday approved the use of Aadhaar authentication services for candidates appearing in examinations for Group A and B posts conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). The authentication will be mandatory during the registration process for these posts on the HPSC portal, an official statement said. The introduction of Aadhaar authentication aims to streamline the application procedure, eliminate fraudulent candidates, and ensure the accuracy of candidate data through de-duplication. This move will enhance the credibility and reliability of the recruitment process, maintaining public confidence in the competitive exams, said the government. The Cabinet decided to increase the maximum limit on the death-cum-retirement gratuity for government employees by 25 per cent, raising it from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. This enhancement will take effect from January 1, 2024. Similarly, the Cabinet approved a 25 per cent increase in the maximum limit of death-cum-retirement gratuity for judicial officers, raising it from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. This enhancement will also be effective from January 1, 2024. These decisions are aimed at providing enhanced financial security to government employees and their families as well as judicial officers. It also approved the standing operating procedure (SOP) for the implementation of Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana (MMPSY) for 2024-25. As per the SOP, instead of reimbursing the premium to the beneficiaries of PMJJBY, PMSBY, PMKMY, PMSYMY and PMLVMY under Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana, Rs 1,000 per eligible family per year will be transferred to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana (DAYALU) for payment of compensation under DAYALU having family income from all sources less than or equal to Rs 1.80 lakh per annum, and having a Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP). The Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana was notified on February 6, 2020, with an aim of providing financial assistance and social security, including life and accident insurance and pension benefits to eligible families belonging to economically weaker sections. The Cabinet approved the revision of the ex-gratia to the families of battle casualties of Central armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. The revised ex-gratia has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore. –
From Beacy Bronx to Pilates studio central: Gentrification’s fine by me
Eli Manning and Antonio Gates are among the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, former Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, and prolific tight end Antonio Gates are among the finalists for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. The Hall on Saturday announced the names of the 15 modern-era finalists who advanced from a group of 25 to the final stage of voting. The selection committee will vote next month to pick the class of between three and five modern-era players that will be announced the week of the Super Bowl. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announces plan to enter NFL draft after season-ending elbow injury Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has announced his plans to enter the NFL draft, five days after having season-ending elbow surgery. The fifth-year senior made his NFL plans official on social media. Beck suffered a right elbow injury in the first half of the Bulldogs’ 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Dec. 7. Beck had surgery on Monday to repair his ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. He is expected to begin throwing next spring. Backup Gunner Stockton will make his first start in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame on Wednesday. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately. Panthers place 1,000-yard rusher Chuba Hubbard on IR for final 2 games with strained calf CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have shut down leading rusher Chuba Hubbard for the final two games of the season because of a strained calf. He was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Hubbard was limited in practice Friday with a knee injury and was listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After practice, Hubbard complained of pain and had an MRI, which revealed a grade two calf strain, according to the team. Hubbard ran for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He becomes the third Panthers running back to be placed on injured reserve this season, joining Miles Sanders and rookie Jonathan Brooks. Patriots QB Drake Maye returns to game after evaluation for head injury vs. Chargers FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has returned to the game after being evaluated for a head injury following a blow to the helmet in the first quarter of New England’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Maye was scrambling near the sideline on third down of the Patriots’ first possession of the game when he was hit by Chargers cornerback Cam Hart. Maye stayed down on the turf for several seconds before eventually getting up and jogging off the field on his own power. He briefly sat on the bench before going to the medical tent and then the locker room. He was replaced by backup Jacoby Brissett in the next series. But Maye returned at the 10:15 mark of the second quarter. Corbin Burnes and Arizona Diamondbacks agree to $210 million, 6-year deal, AP source says PHOENIX (AP) — Corbin Burnes and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a $210 million, six-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a successful physical. The 30-year-old Burnes was perhaps the top free agent pitcher on the market after going 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA for Baltimore last season. The Orioles acquired the right-hander in a February trade after he spent his first six major league seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. NBA coaches react with dismay over firing of 2-time coach of the year Mike Brown ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Not even two years ago, Rick Carlisle publicly lauded Mike Brown for the job he did on the way to winning the NBA’s coach of the year award. And on Friday, Carlisle was among the coaches reacting with dismay that Brown was fired. The Sacramento Kings dismissed Brown on Friday, with the team off to a 13-18 start this season and mired toward the bottom of the Western Conference — despite back-to-back winning seasons, something that franchise hadn’t managed in nearly two decades. Injured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against Dallas PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Injured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against Dallas. Hurts is still in the NFL concussion protocol. The Eagles will turn to backup Kenny Pickett on Sunday because Hurts is dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion suffered against Washington. Hurts was injured early at Washington after his head slammed against the ground on one run and he was hit in the helmet by Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu at the end of another. Hurts isn’t healthy enough to play just yet. McCord throws for 453 yards, 5 TDs in No. 22 Syracuse's 52-35 Holiday Bowl win over Washington State SAN DIEGO (AP) — Kyle McCord threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns to break Deshaun Watson’s Atlantic Coast Conference season passing record and lead No. 22 Syracuse to a 52-35 victory over depleted-yet-scrappy Washington State in the Holiday Bowl on Friday night. LeQuint Allen rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns for his second straight 1,000-yard season for the Orange (10-3), who had their first 10-win season since 2018. Fran Brown joined Paul Pasqualoni (1991) as the only Orange coaches since World War II to win 10 game in their first season. The Cougars (8-5) lost their fourth straight game but were spirited despite losing coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest, quarterback John Mateer to Oklahoma, both coordinators and the quarterbacks and running backs coach. Southern California overcomes 17-point deficit to beat Texas A&M 35-31 in Las Vegas Bowl LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jayden Maiava threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Ford with eight seconds left to give Southern California a 35-31 victory over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl on Friday night. A graduate of Liberty High School in nearby Henderson and a transfer from UNLV, Maiava helped the Trojans (7-6) overcome a 17-point deficit. After Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed raced 19 yards for a touchdown with 1:49 remaining to regain the lead, Maiava drove Southern California 75 yards in 10 plays for the winning score.The Aggies (8-5) opened the third quarter by scoring 17 straight points to take a 24-7 lead.Rich countries' promise of $300 billion a year in climate finance brought fury at talks in Baku from poor nations that found it too paltry, but it also shows a shift in global political realities. The two-week marathon COP29 climate conference opened days after the decisive victory in the US presidential election of Donald Trump, a sceptic both of climate change and foreign aid.
After turning to Tommy DeVito as his starting quarterback following and over the past week, coach Brian Daboll said he was counting on the second-year passer to recreate the "spark" he ignited last season in his memorable rookie run. On Sunday, however, it was more of the same for the NFL's lowest-scoring offense and a franchise now tied for the league's worst record at 2-9. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rolled to a 30-7 win over the Giants as DeVito threw for just 189 yards and took four sacks. After the game, multiple Giants standouts vented their frustration with the organization. "It ain't the quarterback," said rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who led the Giants with six catches for 64 yards. "Same outcome when we had DJ at quarterback. "I don't know what it is," Nabers added when asked to identify the team's problem. "Everybody know better than me. ... I know I'm tired of losing." Nabers also described the team's performance as "soft as (expletive)." Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence also ridiculed New York's toughness on the day. “We played soft, and they beat the (expletive) out of us today,” Lawrence told reporters after the game. The Buccaneers scored on five of their first six possessions to race out to a 30-0 lead over the Giants by the early third quarter. Four different players scored a rushing touchdown for Tampa Bay, while 11 recorded a reception. Devin Singletary's 1-yard score in the fourth quarter prevented New York from being shut out. Jones was officially waived by the Giants on Saturday in what co-owner John Mara called a "mutual" decision. The sixth-year starter sought a separation after he was demoted and later buried on the depth chart behind DeVito, Drew Lock and Tim Boyle. But with DeVito in the lineup, the Giants were sent to their sixth straight loss as the Buccaneers ended their own four-game skid. Frustration with the offensive game plan seemed to boil over for Nabers, who wasn't targeted until the start of the third quarter. "I mean, can’t do nothing," Nabers said. "Start getting the ball when it’s 30-0. What do you want me to do?” Asked why he wasn't getting the ball earlier, Nabers turned the question back to his head coach. “Talk to (Daboll) about that,” Nabers said. “They come up to me and ask me what plays I want, and that was that."Patriots elevate guard Michael Jordan, linebacker Keshawn Banks from practice squad for Week 13