Is School Choice the Best Choice?
Will school choice mean true educational equality?
What Is ‘School Choice’? School choice refers to the right of parents and guardians to choose…
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The Spill: Douglass Toppled
Weekly news you can use.
Frederick Douglass Statue Torn Down Another casualty fell victim to the movement to get rid of…
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Montana: The Treasure State
Enough gold and gems have been mined in Montana for it to earn the nickname Treasure State.
Montana entered the Union as the 41st state on November 8, 1889. Many of the U.S.…
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Grover Cleveland: A President of Principle
“What is the use of being elected or re-elected unless you stand for something?”
Stephen Grover Cleveland (1837 – 1908) was the 22nd president of the United States. Before breaking…
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Police Reform: Will It Actually Happen?
Will members of Congress work together to fix policing?
Americans demand solutions in the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody. Both the House…
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Declaration of Independence “Rough Draught” Now on Microfilm
Jefferson’s first draft was wordier, but it gives a deeper understanding of his beliefs.
When the leaders of the British colonies in America decided it was time to split off…
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Independence Day: The History You Might Not Know
John Adams always thought July 2 should be Independence Day.
In April 1775, colonial militiamen and British troops fought in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, starting the…
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Immigration Reform and DACA
Most Americans support DACA – and still it’s a politicized issue.
How Did It Begin? DACA stands for Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals, an executive policy ordering…
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The Spill: Hidden Figure
Weekly news you can use.
NASA Names Headquarters after a Hidden Figure Have you seen the movie Hidden Figures about a…
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The First Amendment and the Right to Assemble
Are riots and autonomous zones protected by the First Amendment?
The right to assemble is one of our most treasured civil rights. It is one of…
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North America Adopts USMCA
A new North American trade deal is coming into force.
President Donald Trump has delivered on a campaign promise to ditch a 25-year-old trade agreement and…
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Missouri: The Unwilling Slave State
Thanks to the Missouri Compromise, this state entered the Union as slave, despite most residents being anti-slavery.
Missouri, the “Show Me State,” was named after the tribe Missouris. The first European explorers showed…
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Chester A. Arthur: A One Term President
Arthur assumed the presidency after Garfield’s assassination – and never ran for re-election.
Chester A. Arthur (1829 – 1886) became the 21st president in 1881. His presidency was short,…
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Protesters Destroy Statues
The president threatens groups defacing historical monuments.
America has seen a spate of protests over the past few weeks - some have been…
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Historical Statues: Should They Stay or Go?
Protesters try to tear down monuments – what effect will this have on the U.S.?
It is impossible to separate the death of George Floyd from the cries for justice in…
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Trump Vs. Biden: What Do They Stand For?
Which policies will Americans vote for in the 2020 election?
The 2020 contest between President Trump and Joe Biden has taken a step back due to…
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The Spill: Ring of Fire
Weekly news you can use.
Summer Solstice and a Rare Eclipse The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, occurred…
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Mississippi: The Magnolia State
Mississippi is often called The Magnolia State because of all the magnolia trees.
Mississippi joined the Union in 1817, becoming the 20th state. “The Magnolia State,” so named because…
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Six Billion ‘Earth-like’ Planets in the Milky Way Galaxy?
Researchers found billions of new planets that could host life.
The Milky Way galaxy is estimated to be about 100,000 light-years across and 12 billion years…
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The History and Purpose of the National Guard
The Guard stands ready to defend Americans in many ways, and has done so since 1636.
The National Guard has been in the news regularly over the last 18 months – from…
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Father’s Day Around the World
We celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June – but other countries have their own ways of honoring Dad.
Today is Father’s Day: the one time a year set aside to recognize and honor Dad.…
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Book Burning: Antifa and BLM Can’t Erase the History They Hate
Trying to destroy history only proves that Antifa and BLM haven’t learned from it.
The destruction of culture and history is running rampant in America. We see enemies of freedom…
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Defund the Police – What does it Mean?
How much money should the police get?
Thousands of Americans are marching on the streets with “Defund the Police” banners. As calls come to…
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The Spill: A Modern Atlantis
Weekly news you can use.
Italy’s Modern Atlantis The legend of Atlantis, the mythical island that sank into the ocean around…
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Trump Signs Police Reform Order
Executive order calls for police to change the way they work.
Since the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer, America’s police have…
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Police Powers – What Authority Do They Have?
Like anyone else, cops can stop and talk to anyone – but when the conversation turns compulsory, there are rules.
Police officers carry a lot of power and wide freedom on how to use it. They…
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The Colors of Politics
Can colors lead people to follow certain parties?
There are symbols and signs that push us toward certain ideas. One of these is color.…
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Chaz: A New Country in the Middle of a U.S. City?
Can the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone actually last?
A group of protesters have taken over a six-block area in the city of Seattle and…
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What is Black Lives Matter?
BLM: Where did it come from, and what does the group want?
In the weeks following the tragic death of George Floyd, millions of people all over the…
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Antifa Martyrs
Are Antifa members willing to die for the cause?
American cities burn and violence is rampant – all in the name of justice for one…
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The Spill: Global Protests
Weekly news you can use.
Protests Go International The past week has been full of anger, despair, frustration, and pain as…
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DNA Testing Reveals 17,000-Year-Old Ancestry
Dusty Crawford’s American heritage predates the land bridge from Siberia to Alaska.
How far back can you trace your family? Most of us can trace our roots for…
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Civil Unrest in the United States: A History
Protests and riots – and even rebellions – are all a part of American history.
Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave who became an antislavery activist. In 1866, he wrote an…
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Lockdown Vs. Protests: Which Is It?
Is social distancing less important than protesting?
Protests have continued following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer,…
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Marion Robert Goff: A Soldier’s Tale on D-Day
Marion Goff’s little sister, Mona, remembers her hero.
Mona Goff was the younger sister of the only hero she had ever known: her brother.…
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A Closer Look at Antifa
During the recent riots, President Donald Trump blamed Antifa for the mayhem on America’s streets. The…
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The Spill: Artemis Accords
Weekly news you can use.
NASA’s Artemis Accords for Cooperation in Space The final frontier is starting to get a lot…
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Looting and Rioting Accomplish Nothing but Destruction
Rioting is futile and counterproductive. MLK knew this, so why haven’t today’s radicals figured it out?
Nearly every cable news station is running endless footage of mayhem and madness as riots spring…
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People Demand Justice for George Floyd
More than 100 cities have seen protests and riots after the Floyd’s death.
Protests are happening in cities across America after the death of George Floyd at the hands…
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The Spill: Dream Tablet
Weekly news you can use.
Returning a Stolen Relic History is an important part of our present and future. It not…
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Did NASA Scientists Find Another Universe?
The media thinks scientists may have found another universe, but the scientists aren’t so sure.
The idea of a parallel universe – another universe that runs alongside our own – has…
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Memorial Day: A Time of Honor and Respect
Our rights and freedoms came at a high price.
Memorial Day is a day for Americans to honor and offer respect to the military men…
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A New Kind of Sanctuary: Protecting Small Businesses
Atwater, California will not enforce the state’s forced closing of businesses.
When we hear the term sanctuary city, we think of illegal immigration. But that’s not the…
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Did Virginia Single Out Churchgoers?
VA Gov. Ralph Northam is being sued for religious persecution.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is facing a legal battle over the First Amendment, and the Department…
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Teens Around the World Make a Difference During the Pandemic
Quarantine can be hard – but these young thinkers are making life easier.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our way of life and has disrupted normalcy. Social media is…
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The Spill: Abuela de Catalan
Weekly news you can use.
Oldest Lady in Spain Survives Coronavirus It’s a scary time in the world right now. People…
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Why Is Food Being Thrown Out During the Pandemic?
Livestock are being killed off and milk is being dumped out – but consumers can’t find it in the stores.
In the middle of this pandemic, milk is poured down the drain, livestock is euthanized, and…
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Is CBS Guilty of Making Fake News?
A line full of fake patients pretend to get tested for Coronavirus.
According to Project Veritas, CBS had employees of Cherry Health – Heart of the City Health…
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Quarantine: It Worked Against Plague
Black Death was devastating the first time around, but people quickly learned how to respond.
If we look at the history of pandemics and fighting diseases, there may be one or…
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Coronavirus and Immunity
How our bodies defend us from a virus.
The Coronavirus pandemic has a lot of people worried about the dangers of getting infected. It’s…
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The Spill: Imaginary Fans
Weekly news you can use.
Imagining Baseball Fans What do you do when you’re a professional baseball team during a pandemic?…
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Coronavirus Lockdown: Hard on Humans but Nice for Nature
The pandemic response has been hard on people, but good for nature.
While humans are shutting themselves indoors to avoid the Coronavirus, the animal kingdom is taking advantage…
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What You Should Know About Venezuela
Venezuela was the world’s largest oil exporter before socialists took over.
Venezuela, the nation located at the northern tip of South America, has a long history of…
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Viruses: Just the Facts
What is a virus anyway, and how does it infect us?
When we get sick, it is often because a microbe – like bacteria or a virus…
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A Tale Of Two Sacrifices – Part II
The most brutal of sacrifices.
Another tale of sacrifice that forces us to ask ourselves if we truly understand its meaning…
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A Very Unusual Mother’s Day
This year, moms deserve more appreciation than ever.
Did you know Mother’s Day was originally intended to celebrate just one person – hence the…
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A Tale Of Two Sacrifices – Part I
Do we understand what real sacrifice is?
The word sacrifice is loaded with power – but does everyone fully understand what it means?…
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Commemorating VE Day
The 75th anniversary of Hitler’s surrender.
May 8, 2020, marks 75 years since Victory in Europe (V.E.) Day. This was the day…
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The Spill: Crew Dragon
Weekly news you can use.
NASA Teams Up With SpaceX for Mission American astronauts are once again going to make a…
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What You Should Know About North Korea
The home of the Supreme Leader.
There are few countries more mysterious today than North Korea. This secluded dictatorship has isolated itself…
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Supreme Court Joins the Livestream Age
Since the justices can’t meet in person, they’ll just livestream the Supreme Court cases.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States judiciary branch. The nine judges…
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Is the US Headed for Herd Immunity to Coronavirus?
The Coronavirus pandemic is burning itself out, but the elderly are still at great risk.
A renowned German epidemiologist is calling for an end to the lockdowns and urging a shift…
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The Spill: Happy Birthday Hubble
Weekly news you can use.
Hubble Celebrates 30th Anniversary What we know about the Final Frontier wouldn’t even fit into the…
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Southern States Are Reopening, With or Without Their Neighbors
The nation is beginning to reopen, but not everyone is trying to work together.
America is finally beginning to open back up, and Governors in at least 17 states in…
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Joe Biden: From Scranton to the White House
Biden has been a senator and a vice president – will he be the next commander in chief?
Joe Biden could be the man to challenge President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, but…
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Trump Puts Immigration on Hold for 60 Days
By allowing fewer immigrants, Trump hopes to give Americans a chance to get back to work.
President Trump has signed a proclamation limiting certain types of immigration to the United States for the next…
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Universal Basic Income – Is it the Future?
Will we see universal basic income in a post-Coronavirus world?
The idea of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) is becoming more and more popular, especially in…
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Sweden and Coronavirus: Are They Right?
Do we need lockdown to deal with COVID-19?
Sweden has been criticized for its strategy of dealing with the Coronavirus. The European country decided…
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The Spill: Food ATMs
Weekly news you can use.
Vietnam Feeds People with Rice ATMs The Coronavirus pandemic has shut down businesses, resulted in people…
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Lockdown Protests in States Across America
Amid Coronavirus pandemic, Americans ask for their freedoms back.
The Coronavirus lockdown orders have lasted about a month, for most Americans. Patience is stretched thin,…
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The Bald Eagle: An Impressive Predator
The Bald Eagle can hunt from the sky, on land, or in the water.
The Bald Eagle is a majestic bird and a fierce predator. On June 20, 1782, it…
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The Spill: Moon Base
Weekly news you can use.
Living on the Moon Mankind may soon be living on the moon – for a few…
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Trump Withholds Funds To WHO
The president announces the U.S. will stop sending money to World Health Organization.
President Donald Trump has suspended funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) while the agency’s response…
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Joe Biden Gets Ready to Fight Election
Democrats rally behind the former vice president.
Who will be the next president of the United States? With the election only a few…
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The Coronavirus Data Gap: Is Rapid Testing the Answer?
Only more testing can give us the information we need.
Researchers from all over the world have been racing to make a faster, easier, and cheaper…
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Easter Traditions: Ever Wonder Why We Hide Eggs?
Some of the most common Easter traditions have ancient origins.
Happy Easter. This year will be quite a bit different as everyone settles in for a…
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Good Friday: Christ Carried Sin to the Grave – And Left It There
Jesus took the sin of the world upon himself, paying the price no one else could.
For Christians, Good Friday is one of the most important holidays of the year because it…
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The Spill: China Lockdown Over
Weekly news you can use.
Chinese Lockdown Comes to an End As countries around the world enter lockdown to prevent the…
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Orange Juice Enjoys a Coronavirus Comeback
Anytime there is a health scare, Americans turn to OJ.
Orange juice is back on the table in American homes. In recent years, many people have…
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Coronavirus Cures: Is a Treatment or Vaccine Coming Soon?
At this point, we’ll try just about anything to end the pandemic.
As the number of Coronavirus cases and deaths continues to rise, researchers race toward some form…
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Social Distancing: It Isn’t Fun, but It’s Better Than It Once Was
It may be boring, but at least you have TV and the internet.
The Coronavirus pandemic has forced people to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of…
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The Spill: Roaming Goats
Weekly news you can use.
Goats Taking Over Town The Coronavirus pandemic has caused havoc across the globe as most people…
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5 FACTS: Joe Biden
Getting the facts straight on 2020 Democrat presidential hopeful Joe Biden.
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COVID-19 Update: Social Distancing Extended to April 30
The president hopes the road to recovery can begin soon.
Acting on the advice of the experts, President Donald Trump has extended “social distancing” guidelines until…
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Is Online Education The Future?
As Americans sour on failing public schools, a new generation of digital natives may turn to online education.
Social distancing and closing of schools during the Coronavirus outbreak have forced many students to study…
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Personal Hygiene: A Look Back
Hygiene is crucial to avoiding Coronavirus and other illnesses – but people haven’t always understood it.
The Coronavirus has had one positive impact: It has made everyone more aware of the importance…
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The Economic Cost of COVID-19
Consumer spending accounts for 2/3 of the economy – and isolated Americans aren’t buying.
What started as a promising year quickly turned sour thanks to Coronavirus. Small businesses are losing…
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Evil and The Political Divide
How can Americans heal the anger in politics today?
Political differences haven’t always caused such division between Americans. In recent history, Democrats and Republicans could…
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The Spill: Aequinoctium
Weekly news you can use.
The Astronomical Start of Spring If you’ve been stuck inside due to the Coronavirus, you may…
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Pandemics in the 21st Century
How science and the modern lifestyle have impacted the spread of a virus.
The Coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of confusion as state after state orders residents to…
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A Scientific Look at COVID-19
The fact that the Coronavirus is so mild for most people who get it is exactly what makes it so dangerous.
All around the world, people are worried about the Wuhan Coronavirus. How dangerous is it? What…
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Coronavirus: The Young Aren’t Invincible
Don’t believe that youth and good health is the same as immunity to the virus.
There has been a lot of talk about Coronavirus and how it may or may not…
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Epidemic vs Pandemic: What Are They?
What’s the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused a lot of anxiety around the world as more cases pop up…
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The Spill: Closing Borders
Weekly news you can use.
With the COVID-19 coronavirus now classified as a pandemic, many nations across the globe are imposing…
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The Republican Party: The Grand Old Party
The Republican Party is often called the Grand Old Party, or the GOP.
Often called the Grand Old Party or the GOP, the Republican Party is one of two…
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Coronavirus: Just the Facts
Taking a few simple precautions can help you stay safe from Coronavirus.
What is Coronavirus and what risks are associated with the disease? How can you prevent contracting…
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Should Businesses Be Closed over Coronavirus?
A good way to avoid Coronavirus is to avoid crowds – but should states be closing businesses?
President Donald Trump addressed the United States Friday, March 13, and declared a national emergency over…
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Trump Takes Action on Coronavirus
The White House announces its COVID-19 strategy.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday, March 11, to reassure Americans that everything is being…
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The Democratic Party: Origins, Policies, and People
The Democratic Party: Origins, Policies, and People
The party traces its roots to 1792. Followers of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison created the…
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The Spill: Perseverance For Mars
Weekly news you can use.
Student Names Mars Rover How would you like to name NASA’s Mars Rover? One lucky student…
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Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Lakes
Echoes of The Song of Hiawatha.
Minnesota became the 32nd state to join the Union on May 11, 1858. Its nicknames include…
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The Soviet Union Shows Why Socialism Doesn’t Work
Socialism has never worked – and the fall of the Soviet Union shows why.
Like every other socialist experiment throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, price controls, production quotas, central…
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James A. Garfield: The Last of the Log Cabin Presidents
As a self-made man, Garfield studied many subjects and worked a variety of jobs.
James A. Garfield (1831–1881) was the 20th president of the United States. Although his term, and…
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Greta And Naomi: Can a Calmer Voice Prevail?
Naomi Seibt is the calm to Greta Thunberg’s chaos.
Young Greta Thunberg has praised by many for her views on climate change. The 16-year-old has…
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The Federal Impeachment Process Explained
There’s a lot of confusion about impeachment.
A lot of people don’t really understand the process of impeachment, and the recent case with…
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The Spill: A Super Day
Weekly news you can use.
Joe Biden Takes Super Tuesday This week saw real progress in deciding who will represent the…
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Michigan: Water Winter Wonderland
This state is home to the Great Lakes, the Ford Quadricycle, and British conquests.
Michigan became the 26th state to join the Union in January 1837. Known by several nicknames…
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Who Donates to Politicians?
Where do political campaigns get their money?
Political campaigns raise millions of dollars as people hope to help their preferred candidate elected –…
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Washington State Voters Worried About Ballot Privacy
Do voters have a right to keep their party affiliation private?
The Washington presidential primary is set for March 10. The ballots have already been mailed out,…
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Super Tuesday: The Biggest Day in Primary Voting
Super Tuesday is primary day for about a third of the nation’s population.
Since 1988, whoever won the presidential primaries and caucuses held on Super Tuesday in March (March…
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Why the Constitution is Special
The Founders tried to form a government while keeping power in the hands of the people.
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Can Switching from Coal to Natural Gas Save Lives?
Natural gas is cleaner than the old coal processes, but coal can still be clean.
A new study published in Nature Sustainability has calculated that the recent shutdown of coal power…
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What Does It Cost to Run for President?
Follow the money? Here’s what the remaining Democrats have spent on their presidential bids.
The 2020 election is coming up, and a field of over two dozen candidates for the…
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Leap Year: There’s More to It Than Just Adding a Day
The leap year is just one part of fixing an imperfect calendar.
Wednesday, September 2, 1752, was a memorable day in the United Kingdom. The next day was…
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What Does It Mean to Be Gen Z?
Gen Z: The generation raised on tech.
What does it mean to be Generation Z? Defining a group of like-aged people helps to…
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Moving Meteors May Protect Us From Impact
Will we soon be able to stop meteorites from striking Earth?
Throughout history, meteorites have impacted Earth – and there are many more out there headed our…
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The Spill: Caucus Race
Weekly news you can use.
Sanders Wins Nevada Caucus The Democrat Party took another step toward the 2020 election this week.…
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Does Intelligent Life Exist Elsewhere in the Universe?
Is our planet’s perfect formation proof that there’s more life out there, or that we’re alone?
Are we alone in the universe, or is there intelligent life out there, somewhere? As vast…
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Massachusetts: The Bay State
The Massachusetts colony was the beginning of England’s settlements in America.
On Feb. 6, 1788, Massachusetts became the sixth state to join the Union. The Bay State,…
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Campaign Money: Where Does It Go After Election Day?
Campaign donations can’t be used for personal expenses – but they can be used for just about anything else.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has outlined a series of rules pertaining to politicians’ leftover campaign…
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We’re Running Out of Helium – But Why?
Is the helium shortage a man-made problem?
Next to hydrogen, helium is the most common element in the universe. But while there is…
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Slavery: Still Legal in about Half the World’s Nations
In many parts of the world, slavery is still not considered a crime.
For thousands of years, slavery has been an evil that spread across the world. These days,…
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Nevada Caucus: Will It Work Out Better Than in Iowa?
There were issues in Iowa, and now the same tech is being used in Nevada.
This week, all eyes are trained on Nevada as Democrats gather in caucus venues to select…
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Maryland: A New Start for Religious Freedom
Arriving in Maryland meant religious freedom for the colonists.
Maryland became the seventh state to join the Union on April 28, 1788. The English King…
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What’s Up On Wall Street? Stock Market Explained
The stock market: Just one of many ways to influence the economy.
One of the most exciting places to be in this world is on a stock exchange.…
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Is Coronavirus the Next Pandemic?
Thanks to new technology, pandemics could be far less dangerous than they once were.
Media treat the Coronavirus as a potential pandemic, but many experts regard it as not particularly…
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Astounding Facts about U.S. Presidents
Celebrating President's Day.
On this President’s Day, an occasion of celebration for the country’s commanders in chief, we take…
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Fracking: The Good and the Bad
Fracking for oil has led to energy independence – but there are downsides.
Every day, you use oil products that make your life better and easier. Thanks to advances…
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Ulysses S. Grant: A Friend of Mark Twain
Ulysses S. Grant’s friendship with Mark Twain may have led to the eventual success of his memoirs – though not until after his death.
Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885) was the 18th president of the United States. Unlike former commanders in…
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Valentine’s Day Banned in Iran
Celebrating Valentine’s Day is a crime in some places.
February 14 has long been celebrated as a day of romantic love. To most of the…
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Valentine’s Day Poems
Celebrating a day of love.
For thousands of years, the 14th of February has been celebrated as a day of love.…
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Delegates and Superdelegates – What are They?
Delegates play a key role in nominating a presidential candidate.
The road to becoming a nominee for president of the United States involves a small group…
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Maine: The Pine Tree State
This unforgiving land tested colonists to their limits.
Maine became the 23rd state to join the Union on March 15, 1820. Its history began…
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The Spill: Solar Mission
Weekly news you can use.
New Hampshire Primary The United States is now in an election year, and the process of…
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Are Digital Currencies the Money of the Future?
A primer on digital currencies.
By now, you may have learned about the success of bitcoin. There has been a lot…
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5 FACTS: Women at the Ballot Box
How much power do women have in politics?
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Climate Models are Missing Something Big
Common climate models show the earth is warming – but they don’t account for the ocean.
If you have ever been on a tropical island, you may have experienced that as the…
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Democracy Isn’t as Popular as it Once Was
A recent study shows that about half of the people living in democratic countries in the West aren’t happy with their government.
A recent study revealed that a growing number of citizens living in western nations are becoming…
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Andrew Johnson: The First President to Be Impeached
In February 1868, the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Johnson.
Andrew Johnson (1808–1875) was the 17th president of the United States and the first to ever…
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The Bald Eagle: America’s Bird Almost Went Extinct
The Bald Eagle has been revered as the national bird for decades – but it almost went extinct.
The American symbol of freedom could have been a Turkey – if Founding Father Benjamin Franklin…
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Supply and Demand: It’s Basic Economics
The law of supply and demand is the basis of the economy.
Have you walked through a supermarket and wondered why oranges, beef, and a box of Oreo…
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Iowa Caucus: Technical Difficulties and Caucus Confusion
Even without the results, several candidates still declared victory.
What happens when the app designed to report voting results fails? Tuesday’s Iowa’s caucus fiasco, of…
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The Spill: YouTube’s New Election Policies
Weekly news you can use.
Technical Difficulties and Election Confusion in Iowa The Iowa caucus for the Democratic Party was expected…
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Louisiana: The Heart of One of America’s Best Deals
The U.S. bought the Louisiana territory from France for $15 million.
Louisiana became the 18th state to join the Union on April 30, 1812. For generations before…
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Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation after the victory at the Battle of Antietam.
Perhaps one of the most famous of all presidents is the 16th, Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). Known…
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Truth: How the Iowa Caucus Works – GenZ
The Iowa Caucus is an important stage of choosing a presidential candidate..
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Johnson Leads the UK out of the EU
Britain is leaving the European Union - but what is Brexit, anyway?
On January 31 at 11 p.m., Britain will leave the European Union (E.U.). Since voting to…
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Political Action Committees: What Are They?
Political Action Committees try to get candidates elected who support their causes.
Several different types of groups push to have their goals accomplished. One of the most common…
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Senators Show Confirmation Bias
No critical thinking in impeachment trial questions.
A brief phase of President Donald Trump’s Senate impeachment trial began on Wednesday, January 29: The…
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Political Spending: Does More Money Mean More Votes?
Does wealth buy votes?
The U.S. political system today is not what the Founding Fathers had envisioned. The concentration of…
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The Spill: Lunar Cycle
Weekly news you can use.
Trump Impeachment Trial Underway The impeachment trial of Donald Trump is underway. The trial is being…
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Kentucky: Through the Cumberland Gap
This land was difficult for settlers to reach.
Indigenous people roamed this area long before it became known as the state of Kentucky. For…
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The World Mourns Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was a legend in his own time.
In news that shocked America and the athletic world, basketball great Kobe Bryant, 41, died January…
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James Buchanan: A President for States’ Rights
Buchanan was personally against slavery, but he believed it was up to each state to decide.
James Buchanan was the 15th president of the United States. He was born on April 23,…
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Wind May Not Be the Perfect Power Source
Could wind turbines be bad for the environment?
For years, wind turbines have been thought of as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels like…
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Baseball and Economics: Part II
There’s more economics to baseball than you might have known.
There is a lot that baseball can teach us about economics. In part one, we looked…
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Baseball and Economics: Part I
There’s more economics to baseball than you might have known.
Baseball is a game of failure; you are going to groundout, flyout, and strikeout more than…
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Kansas: On the Trail West
This wild west state was known for cowboys, gunfights, and famous lawmen.
Before Kansas was Kansas, it was populated by the indigenous people known as the Paleo-Indians. The…
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The Spill: China Deal
Weekly news you can use.
Senate Trial Starting on Trump Impeachment A Senate trial of President Donald Trump begins this week.…
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Bubblemania: The Great American Everything Bubble
We’re in an everything bubble, but how will the U.S. cope when the bubble bursts?
Congratulations. You are living through one of the most prosperous times in American history. This is…
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The Primary and Caucus Process
It’s important to understand how the political parties select their candidates.
The majority of presidential contenders are members of two dominant political parties in America: The Republican…
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Soapbox Sanctuary – Health Care: A Right or a Privilege?
Celebrating Martin Luther King Day
A civil rights icon is recognized today.
When thinking about the American Civil Rights Movement, no name stands out more than Martin Luther…
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Winning the Presidency Isn’t as Easy as it Might Sound
Most Americans over 35 could run for president, but very few could actually win.
The road to becoming the president of the United States is long and difficult – and…
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Virtual Reality for Animals – Can it Work?
Scientists test computer simulations on animals.
Virtual reality has been a science fiction dream for decades, and now we can experience these…
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What is Interest?
Interest is charged on borrowed money – but how does it work?
Everybody is a borrower and a lender in today’s economy. Every time a person uses a…
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The Spill: Racing to be President
Weekly news you can use.
Iran De-Escalation and Plane Crash Relations between Iran and the U.S. calmed this week. Iran is…
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Australian Wildfires: It Isn’t About Climate Change
Australia isn’t abnormally dry or hot, so let’s not blame climate change.
As fires have ravaged large parts of the Australian wilderness, many have blamed manmade climate change.…
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US vs Iran: The Conflict is Far from Over
Iran might have other plans for the United States.
The relationship between the United States and Iran has been rough for decades. With the recent…
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Franklin Pierce: A President Ruined by Slavery
Like many pro-slavery politicians, President Pierce’s support for the institution killed his political career.
Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, on November 23, 1804. He was elected…
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Miranda Warning: What Is It?
When arresting someone, police have to inform them of their rights before any interrogation.
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can, and will, be used against…
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What Is Credit and How Is It Used?
Understanding credit is important in today’s economy.
It seems like everything is put on credit these days. From lunch and movie tickets to…
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Iowa: From Conflict to Corn Belt
Although the state was populated by so many indigenous tribes, it has only one reservation today.
Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye State, became the 29th state admitted to the Union on…
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This Spill: CA Poké Hunters
Weekly news you can use.
Tensions with Iran Relations between the U.S. and the Middle Eastern country of Iran have been…
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Trump’s Work for Native Americans in 2019
Native Americans have often been ignored, politically, but not in 2019.
In a tweet on December 27, President Donald Trump wrote: “Thank YOU Indian Country for being…
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Millard Fillmore: The Last Whig President
Fillmore was the last president to not be either a Republican or a Democrat.
Millard Fillmore (1800 – 1874) was the 13th president of the United States and the last…
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The Spill: America’s Most Admired
Weekly news you can use.
New Year’s Firework Controversies Countries across the globe celebrate the coming of the New Year with…
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The Republic: A Representative Democracy
The United States is a republic, which is a representative, or indirect democracy.
A lot of people are confused about what type of government the United States has. In…
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New Year’s Day: Just as Political as Anything Else
What day people celebrate the beginning of the new year depends on their religion and their politics.
It may appear obvious to many in modern times that January 1 marks the start of…
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Indiana: Land of the Indians
The Indians fought so fiercely to keep their land that the state was named for them.
On December 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union. Like many other…
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New Year Resolutions: They Aren’t As Easy As They Sound
Most people make resolutions, but less than 10% keep them.
Welcoming in a new year is a good time to get a fresh start, and that…
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National Debt: Will It Continue to Grow?
The national debt is the biggest it has ever been, and it’s only growing bigger.
You have probably heard by now that the national debt is the biggest it has ever…
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Trump And Congress Say Welcome Liberians Home
The NDAA gives Liberian refugees a path to citizenship in the U.S.
Slipped neatly inside the $738 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a pathway to citizenship…
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Zachary Taylor: Old Rough and Ready
As a military leader, Zachary Taylor didn’t mind getting his boots dirty with his men.
Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) was the 12th president of the United States. Born on Nov. 24, 1784…
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The Spill: The Third Time
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President Trump Impeached The House of Representatives has impeached President Trump. After a day of debate,…
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A Few Poems to Warm the Heart at Christmas
Before TV, Christmas cheer was expressed in writing.
We all have our favorite Christmas movies and songs, but before film and sound recordings were…
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Illinois: The Land of the Illini
Illini is the Algonquin word meaning men or warriors – and the French used that word to name the area.
Illinois became the 21st state on Dec. 3, 1818. Long before the Europeans came to the…
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Christmas Traditions of the World
Different cultures celebrate Christmas differently, but many traditions have similarities around the world.
Many of our favorite Christmas traditions came from ancestors who moved here from other countries. Different…
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Christmas for the Troops Who Can’t Come Home
Thousands of American Soldiers serve away from home each Christmas.
Last year at Christmas time, the U.S. had 1.3 million troops on active duty, with more…
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Space Force: The Military Goes to Space
The American military will soon have a presence in space.
A historic defense legislation is now officially in the books with an addition of the sixth…
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James Polk: Young Hickory
James Polk’s politics followed that of his mentor, Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson.
James Polk (1795-1849) was the 11th president of the United States. He vowed to only serve…
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Gingerbread: A Holiday Tradition and Much More
The world’s biggest gingerbread house is the size of a tennis court.
The holiday tradition of little gingerbread men and fancy decorated gingerbread houses comes from a long…
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Idaho: The Gem of the Mountains
The name Idaho is believed to come from a Shoshone phrase that means “gem of the mountains.”
Idaho became the 43rd state to join the Union on July 3, 1890. Before the Europeans…
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The Spill: International Foot
Weekly news you can use.
Two Trade Deals – China and USMCA This week saw big news in terms of U.S.…
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Why Free Speech Matters
Freedom of speech is the backbone of American liberty.
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John Tyler: The First President to Not Be Elected
John Tyler was the first vice president to take over after a president’s death.
John Tyler (1790-1862) became the tenth president of the United States while serving as vice president…
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FIVE FACTS: Democrats’ Road to the White House
How are the Democrats choosing their nominees to face off against President Donald Trump?
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The Spill: Heist… Again!?
Weekly news you can use.
Articles of Impeachment Called Against President Trump Over the last several weeks, the House of Representatives…
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Hawaii: A Land of Volcanoes
Unlike any other state, Hawaii is made up of a string of volcanic islands.
Hawaii is a very unique state. It is made up of a group of volcanic islands…
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The Importance of History: The Past Is the Key to the Future
Understanding the past can save us from repeating mistakes.
Do you ever wonder why we study history, why learning about the past is a requirement…
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Attack on Pearl Harbor: Bringing America into World War II
The United States was staying out of the war – until Japan’s surprise attack at Pearl Harbor.
It was a date that, as promised by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), lives on in…
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William Henry Harrison: The Indian-Fighter
William Henry Harrison’s reputation as an Indian fighter helped his political career.
William Henry Harrison (1773–1841) was the ninth president of the United States. He took the office…
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Trump’s New Tariffs
What is a tariff, and why does the president use them?
President Donald Trump suddenly tweeted this week that he would be putting tariffs on steel and…
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Frozen Puppy Baffles Scientists
Part dog, part wolf?
It’s a bird, it’s a plane … or is it a puppy or a wolf? That…
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Mysterious Mars Weather: Just How Well Do We Understand Climate?
The mysteries of weather on Mars might mean we don’t understand Earth as well as we think.
Mars is a simple planet compared to Earth. There is almost no atmosphere, there are no…
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Georgia: A Refuge for Debtors and the Poor
James Oglethorpe originally founded the Georgia colony to free up prison space in England.
On January 2, 1788, Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the Constitution and join the…
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German Police Hunt for Dresden Jewel Thieves
At least four thieves made off with priceless artifacts from Dresden’s Green Vault museum.
Some news stories sound more like action films than reality. The robbery of a castle in…
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The Spill: Pro-Democracy Win
Weekly news you can use.
Thanksgiving Surprise: Trump’s Secret Trip to Visit the Troops President Donald Trump surprised American troops in…
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Martin Van Buren: The Little Magician
Martin Van Buren was known as the Little Magician by his supporters – and the Fox by his enemies.
Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) was the eighth president and the first to take office who was…
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Thanksgiving Surprise: Trump’s Secret Trip to Visit the Troops
President Trump’s secret trip took a lot of planning, but he pulled it off.
President Donald Trump surprised American troops in Afghanistan for Thanksgiving. He secretly left the United States…
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5 FACTS: Senate Impeachment Trials
Once impeached, how does a U.S. president get removed from office?
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The Evolution of Thanksgiving
From the Pilgrims to the Mother of Thanksgiving, and beyond.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with friends and family. While eating that extra piece of…
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A Pro-Democracy Win In Hong Kong Election
The people of Hong Kong support their protesters.
Pro-democracy protests have been going on in Hong Kong for several months. Student demonstrations continue against…
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Florida: A Contested Land
The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore Florida – but the French weren’t far behind.
The first written records of Europeans in the area that became known as Florida began in…
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