Sandy Spring Friends School, a long-standing independent Quaker institution in Montgomery County, Maryland, announced on Monday that it will permanently close at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. The school’s leadership, including Board of Trustees members and top administrators, shared the difficult news in a letter addressed to families, faculty, students, and the local community. In the letter, school officials cited an unsustainable financial situation as the drivi

Austin Independent School District (AISD) is facing mounting pressure from both performance and leadership crises as parents, students, and community members raise concerns about the future of local campuses. Thursday night’s board meeting revealed deep-seated challenges within the district, including the uncertain status of Dobie Middle School and the sudden resignation of a principal at a renowned all-girls school. One of the most pressing concerns is Dobie Middle School, wh

Mark Shankar, the youngest son of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, was injured in a fire accident that occurred at his school in Singapore. According to preliminary reports, the incident led to burn injuries on his hands and legs and smoke inhalation, necessitating immediate medical attention. Mark is currently being treated at a local hospital in Singapore, and his condition is being closely monitored. News of the accident prompted Pawan Kalyan to make urgent changes to his

A tragic incident unfolded at Memorial High School in Frisco, Texas, as 16-year-old student Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed during a school track and field event. The Frisco Police Department has identified 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony as the suspect in this shocking act of violence, which occurred on the morning of Wednesday at approximately 10:00 a.m. on the 6900 block of Stadium Lane. According to authorities, an argument between the two teenagers quickly escalated into violence, culmina

South Texas has faced a severe and historic weather event this week, as officials report record-breaking rainfall that caused significant flooding in multiple cities, including Harlingen, Alamo, and Weslaco. Harlingen, which received over 21 inches of rain, experienced the heaviest downpour on Thursday. This intense weather event prompted emergency rescues of more than 200 residents, with hundreds more still waiting for assistance. The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with aut

In a significant move aimed at reshaping the American education system, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the closure of the Department of Education. This bold move aligns with long-standing Republican ambitions to transfer educational authority to individual states and reduce federal involvement in schools. The signing ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House, where Trump, surrounded by schoolchildren, proudly displayed the signed order.

At least 100 people were killed in Gaza early Tuesday as Israel launched a wave of intense airstrikes, shattering the fragile ceasefire that had held since January. The attacks targeted multiple locations across Gaza, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The strikes marked the most intense Israeli bombardment since the ceasefire agreement took effect. According to Palestinian health officials, many of the victims were children as airstrikes struck heavily populated resi

During the holy month of Ramadan, dates play an integral role in Muslim traditions. As the sun sets and iftar time approaches, many Muslims break their fast with dates and water, a practice rooted in Islamic teachings and endorsed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This tradition is more than cultural — dates are packed with nutritional value, making them an ideal food after a long day of fasting. Rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, dates provide an immediate energy boost

Health officials in Prince George’s County are urging families to take extra precautions as flu cases continue to rise in schools, leading to the tragic deaths of two students. The district confirmed the fatalities on Friday night, emphasizing the need for flu vaccinations and proactive measures to prevent further outbreaks. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) reported a significant increase in flu cases across the district, with multi

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called Hamas "sick and twisted" for keeping hostages and withholding the bodies of those killed. He emphasized that if Hamas fails to comply, there will be severe consequences, promising Israel full support to eliminate the group.This warning comes amid direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas regarding t

Ramadan is a time of fasting, reflection, and togetherness, and Iftar—the meal that breaks the fast—is a cherished moment for families and friends. Along with traditional dishes, indulging in a sweet treat after a long day of fasting is a special way to celebrate. Whether you prefer classic recipes or healthier options, these seven delicious and easy-to-make sweets will add a flavorful touch to your Iftar table.   1. Sheer Khurma

Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated once again as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced a complete halt to aid and supplies into Gaza. This decision follows a deadlock in ceasefire negotiations, with Israel demanding a new hostage release deal and Hamas rejecting the revised proposal.The fragile six-week ceasefire, brokered with the help of Egypt and Qatar, now hangs in the balance as both sides refuse to compromise on key demands. While Israel insist

India and the European Union (EU) have set a year-end deadline to finalize a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA), marking a crucial milestone in their bilateral trade relations. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in New Delhi to strengthen India-EU economic and strategic ties.The trade agreement, under negotiation for several years, aims to expand economic cooperation, boost trade, and enhance market access b

Incident Overview: A 15-year-old Class 9 student from Noida has been arrested for sending fake bomb threat emails to four schools in the city. The student used VPN technology to mask his location and avoid attending school, making it appear as though the threats were from an unknown source. This incident took place early Wednesday morning when the schools received the emails, triggering swift emergency responses. Schools Affected: The bomb threats were sent to fou

In a shocking incident on Tuesday, five people were shot and wounded at a school in Orebro, a central city in Sweden. Police confirmed the shooting, initially reporting four victims, with a later update revealing a fifth person was also shot. The extent of their injuries is still unclear.Emergency responders, including multiple ambulances and emergency vehicles, rushed to the scene. Images from the area show a heavy police presence as the authorities carry out a large operation to secure the

With the Modi government set to present its second full budget for the third term in power, the middle and lower-income groups across India are hopeful for key reforms that could alleviate their financial burdens. The anticipated reforms in Budget 2025 include tax relief measures, simplification of income tax laws, and a focus on financial literacy, insurance, and retirement savings. Key Expectations from Budget 2025 Insurance Sector Reforms:

Gautam Adani’s Address to Students On Monday, Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, addressed the students of Adani International School in Ahmedabad. During his speech, Adani shared three core principles for the students: "dream relentlessly, learn relentlessly, and build relentlessly," encouraging them to aim high and remain determined in their endeavor

On Friday, at least six schools in Delhi, including Delhi Public School in East of Kailash, Salwan School, Modern School, and Cambridge School, received bomb threats via email. This marks the second such incident this week, following a similar scare on December 9 when over 40 schools in the city received similar threats. The emails claimed that explosives had been planted within the school premises, warning of potential bomb blasts on December 13 and 14, particularly targeting schools with sc

On Monday morning, around 40 schools in Delhi, including prominent institutions such as DPS RK Puram, GD Goenka, and Modern School, received a bomb threat email. The sender demanded $30,000, warning that bombs were planted inside the buildings. The email prompted a swift response, with bomb detection teams, fire officials, police, and dog squads conducting thorough checks at the affected schools. Fortunately, no suspicious items were discovered at any of the locations. The bomb thre

A concerning incident unfolded in Chennai, where around 35 students from a private school were rushed to the hospital after they reported symptoms including giddiness and irritation in their throats and eyes. The students were taken to the hospital as a precaution, with at least three of them being transferred to a private facility for further care. Initial reports suggest that the symptoms may have resulted from exposure to gas, potentially leaked from the school’s science la