By bringing classic storybooks to life, a new exhibit aims to promote a love of reading – 2024

Currently, only the first floor of the 150,000-square-foot building is open, with more than 40 immersive storybook-themed exhibits. Future plans include a café filled with storybook-referenced food like Strega Nona’s pasta and Bobo’s jum-jills from the book “The Funny Thing.” There also will be rooms for crafts and other activities, the Pettits said, as well … Read more

Once champions of free speech, colleges crack down on pro-Palestinian protests – 2024

Arrests, suspensions, canceled commencements.  What should have been a season for celebrating the waning academic year is being overshadowed by a tug-of-war between college students who oppose Israel’s military actions in Gaza and university administrators cracking down on widespread protests.  More than 2,600 students have been arrested across the U.S. in recent weeks, The Associated … Read more

Columbia seniors, parents say canceling commencement is a ‘demoralizing’ end – 2024

Columbia’s announcement Monday that it was canceling next week’s universitywide commencement ceremony in favor of small-scale celebrations was met with disappointment from seniors and their families, upending plans that a tumultuous school year could be salvaged with the normalcy of a time-honored tradition. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations over Israel’s war in Gaza bookended seniors’ final academic year … Read more

Minnesota woman accused of killing 2 kids, leaving with another, setting house ablaze – 2024

BLACKDUCK, Minn. — A woman killed two children in northern Minnesota, set a house on fire and left with another child, according to an indictment announced Monday. Jennifer Marie Stately, 35, was indicted on counts of premeditated murder, murder while committing child abuse, arson, murder while committing arson, and felony child neglect. Her attorney, Paul … Read more

Man confesses to killing hospitalized wife because he couldn’t afford to care for her, police say – 2024

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A Kansas City-area man who is charged with killing his hospitalized wife told police he couldn’t take care of her or afford her medical bills, court records say. Ronnie Wiggs made his first appearance Monday on a second-degree murder charge and was referred to the public defender’s office. A hearing was set … Read more

New York City suspends bodycams for corrections officers after device catches fire – 2024

New York City’s Department of Corrections is temporarily suspending the use of body-worn cameras after an employee suffered burns and smoke inhalation last week when hers suddenly caught fire. The Rikers Island corrections officer, a captain who was not identified, was rushed to Mount Sinai on Friday when her body camera caught fire. The Corrections … Read more

McLaren’s Lando Norris wins his first Formula 1 race at thrilling Miami Grand Prix – 2024

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — McLaren’s Lando Norris scored his first win in Formula 1 at a thrilling Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, beating Max Verstappen and disrupting an otherwise perfect weekend for Verstappen that included a sprint race win and pole position. A jubilant Norris celebrated victory after more than 100 races and several near-collisions … Read more

Person dies after falling from stands during Ohio State graduation – 2024

A person died after having fallen from spectator stands to the ground level during Ohio State University’s graduation ceremony Sunday in Columbus, school leaders said. The incident was under investigation. The identity of the deceased was unavailable. The ceremony at Ohio Stadium featured entrepreneur Christopher Pan as the spring commencement speaker. A school spokesperson told … Read more