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

A devastating helicopter crash that claimed six lives in New York has prompted swift action from federal authorities, with the Federal Aviation Administration announcing the immediate shutdown of the operator, New York Helicopter Tours. The decision came just days after a sightseeing helicopter carrying a pilot and a Spanish family of five broke apart midair and plummeted into the Hudson River, leaving no survivors. The crash occurred Thursday during what was intended to b

A recent incident involving two commercial aircraft at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has renewed longstanding concerns about the safety and congestion at one of the nation’s busiest and most space-constrained airports. The event, which occurred on a busy Thursday afternoon, involved two American Airlines flights that made contact while taxiing, resulting in damage to at least one aircraft but fortunately causing no injuries. The incident took place around 12:4

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

In the digital-first world of 2025, it’s no surprise that children and teenagers are spending increasing amounts of time on smartphones. Whether it’s chatting with friends, gaming online, or creating content, there’s an app for every social or entertainment need. But with digital connection also comes risk — and not all apps are created equal. As a parent, knowing what apps your kids use is the first step in protecting them from online predators, cyberbullying, and ina

The ongoing debate over the balance between public safety and pretrial reform intensified this week as Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx publicly questioned the effectiveness and safety of the county’s electronic monitoring program. Her comments bring renewed scrutiny to the program managed by the office of Chief Judge Timothy Evans, as concerns mount about whether individuals awaiting trial while on electronic monitoring pose a risk to the community. Foxx, who has

A growing number of parents are expressing outrage and concern over reports that some child care centers have been giving melatonin supplements to children without parental consent. This controversial practice has come to light in Maine, where multiple families claim their children were administered melatonin at a Falmouth day care center, Apple Blossom Childcare, sparking state investigations and public alarm. Laura Putnam, a mother of two, said she trusted Apple Blossom Childcar

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

Washington, D.C. has been making strides in its efforts to improve public safety, with crime statistics showing encouraging signs of decline, particularly in violent crime. As the year progresses, both Mayor Muriel Bowser and Councilmember Brooke Pinto are focusing on making D.C. safer for its residents, launching new initiatives and holding public safety walks to raise awareness and address concerns about crime. The first quarter of 2025 has brought some positive

Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, especially during periods of intense summer heat. With rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves becoming the norm, the risk of heat stroke and dehydration increases significantly. According to health experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), children are at a heightened risk due to their smaller body size, higher metabolic rate, and less effective thermoregulation.

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.

  The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling for strict restrictions on helicopter traffic near Ronald Reagan National Airport. This request follows a tragic midair collision that claimed the lives of 67 people, marking the deadliest aviation accident in the United States in over two decades. The catastrophic collision occurred on January 29 near the nation's capital. Following the tragedy, NTSB Chairperson Jennifer Homendy urged the Federal Aviation Admin

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

A chemical leak at an industrial plant in Matagorda County sent 10 workers to the hospital on Friday, sparking emergency response efforts and concerns over workplace safety. The incident occurred at the Roehm USA facility, located off FM 3087 southwest of Bay City, where an over-pressurization event led to the release of ammonia vapors. The Matagorda County Office of Emergency Management (MCOEM) reported that while employees were exposed to ammonia, the plant’s safety systems fun

  A tragic shooting in Newark on Friday night left one police officer dead and another critically injured, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a swift law enforcement response. The incident unfolded around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway, close to a White Castle restaurant, where officers encountered gunfire under circumstances that remain under investigation. Authorities have confirmed that three suspects were taken

A police shooting took place in Frisco on Thursday evening as officers attempted to serve felony arrest warrants. The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. in the 5400 block of Travis Drive, drawing a significant law enforcement presence to the area. While no officers were injured in the exchange, authorities have not disclosed the extent of injuries or whether anyone was struck by gunfire. The Texas Rangers are leading an investigation into the circumstances surr

Texas is experiencing a growing measles outbreak, with 146 confirmed cases since late January. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) released an update on Friday, confirming a sharp rise in infections, with 22 new cases added since the last report on Tuesday. The outbreak has largely affected unvaccinated individuals, including an infant in Austin who contracted the virus while traveling overseas. Additionally, a school-aged child from Lubboc

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has laid off hundreds of weather forecasters and federal employees, a move that has sparked widespread concern over public safety, disaster preparedness, and the future of extreme weather warnings in the U.S.. The job cuts primarily targeted probationary employees, including those working in National Weather Service (NWS) offices nationwide, where meteorologists provide crucial local forecasts and severe weather alerts.