IES

Apr 11 2026EDUCATION

Schools cut screen time as research shows laptops don't boost grades

Many U. S. schools once bet big on giving every student a laptop to improve learning. But now some are pulling back after realizing devices often lead to more distractions than achievements. Instead of helping kids focus, research shows laptops have sometimes worsened test scores and classroom behav

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Apr 11 2026POLITICS

Texas education officials clash over funding and curriculum changes

A group of Texas Democrats on the State Board of Education is raising alarms about a $70, 000 grant that funded social studies curriculum work. The money came from a conservative nonprofit and went to a university program led by Dr. Donald Frazier, who helps set education standards. The Democrats ar

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Apr 11 2026EDUCATION

Texas Schools Shift Focus to Local History and Biblical Texts

Texas is making big changes to what students learn in social studies. The state’s education board recently voted to focus more on Texas and U. S. history while cutting back on world history and culture. Some parents and teachers worry this shift leaves out important perspectives. Others argue it’s t

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Apr 11 2026FINANCE

What hiding in your 401(k) future?

Employers might soon get legal shelter to add risky bets like cryptocurrency and private equity funds to your retirement account. The push comes from top officials claiming new rules will free workers from old red tape that supposedly blocks "innovation. " But scratch the surface and you find a diff

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Apr 10 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Two Canadian creators get major recognition for their bold Arctic comedy

Two television creators from Canada’s far north are being honored for their fresh take on Indigenous storytelling. The Breakthrough Award at a Toronto gala will go to Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald, best known for shaping North of North, a Netflix and CBC co-production set in the A

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Apr 10 2026POLITICS

Austin’s Police Unions Push Back Against Accountability

Austin’s police unions have found a new way to shift blame away from officers accused of misconduct. When an officer injured a protester in 2020, the unions filed a legal motion arguing that poor training—not the officer—should take the fall. But here’s the catch: they’ve known about training issues

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Apr 10 2026RELIGION

Baseball meets faith: Players mix sports, beliefs, and community

Four young adults tied to Banana Ball baseball found themselves at something more than just a game in Savannah, Georgia. What started as a casual fireside meeting for local young single adults turned into a gathering with a big draw. Kaden Bowler, Bronson Balholm, Jessie Hirzel, and Jordan Watson sh

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Apr 10 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A New Face Joins the Final Chapter of a Popular Crime Drama

The fifth and final season of a well-known crime series set in a Michigan town deeply connected to the prison industry is now in production. The show, which has been running since 2021, follows Mike McLusky, played by Jeremy Renner, as he tries to maintain order in a place where prisons play a huge

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Apr 09 2026HEALTH

Rural Health Care: From Road Trips to Remote Visits

People who live far from cities used to wait long hours for a single doctor. In the early 1900s, one physician might have covered many miles and been the only medical help for a whole county. This made travel hard and left families in danger when illness struck. In 1921, a federal act helped states

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Apr 09 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Comedy’s tough call: when humor crosses the line

A joke lands in a crowded room. Laughter fills the air—until someone realizes the punchline hit harder than expected. That’s what happened when a late-night show made a comment about a public figure’s past. The crowd laughed, but the joke reopened an old wound tied to a specific location. Comedy oft

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