Congress to Certify Trump’s Election, With Memories of Riot Looming Large

Results from the National Assessment of Education Progress reveal a persistent decline in high school students' reading and math performance, with 12th graders scoring at their lowest in over 20 years and significant losses in eighth-grade science. The achievement gap is widening, particularly affecting students' basic proficiency, and a gender gap has re-emerged in STEM subjects post-pandemic. Want More Context? 🔎

Most U.S. adults believe personal choices significantly drive poverty and homelessness, with 68% noting an increase in poverty over the past 25 years, despite data showing a decrease in the poverty rate. The poll reveals support for removing homeless encampments, but highlights divisions on root causes, with 60% attributing poverty primarily to personal choices and nearly half citing unfair systems. Want More Context? 🔎

The New Orleans Archdiocese has proposed a $230 million settlement for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, following prior claims of a $179.2 million offer deemed insufficient by attorneys for the survivors. If accepted by two-thirds of the survivors by late October, payments could begin next year, with ongoing concerns about the archdiocese's accountability and the emotional toll on survivors. Want More Context? 🔎

A nationwide crackdown on the Sinaloa Cartel led to over 600 arrests, including 171 in New England, during a week-long operation by the DEA. The enforcement resulted in significant drug seizures, including 480 kg of fentanyl and $11 million in cash, highlighting the cartel's extensive reach into both urban and rural communities across the U.S. Want More Context? 🔎

Eddie Weinstein's daughter, Caroline, hired Marcia, a Honduran home health aide with Temporary Protected Status, to care for him after his stroke in 2020. As TPS for over 50,000 Hondurans, including Marcia, is set to expire, concerns about a potential healthcare aide shortage are rising, with Marcia hoping for a path to a green card due to her long-standing contributions to the U.S. Want More Context? 🔎

A deadly stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in North Carolina has sparked outrage, with President Trump criticizing local officials for allowing the suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., to remain on the streets despite his extensive criminal history and mental health issues. The attack, captured on surveillance video, has ignited discussions on public safety and the handling of repeat offenders and mental illness in the justice system. Want More Context? 🔎