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Recent NAEP results show U.S. students' scores in reading, math, and science have declined to historic lows in 2024, with high school seniors performing worse than ever. The scores reflect pandemic disruptions and ongoing educational challenges, with significant declines among the lowest-performing students. Experts call for urgent reforms.
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Recent analysis shows that federal disaster declaration approvals under President Trump are taking longer than previous administrations, with delays averaging over a month. This impacts individuals and local recovery efforts, with delays growing over time regardless of political party. The White House defends the thorough review process.
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Recent data shows US regions face rising inflation, especially Tampa and San Diego, while nationwide income inequality slightly decreased. Meanwhile, perceptions of increased poverty and homelessness persist, driven by housing costs and natural disasters, amid ongoing debates over government spending and social support.
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Two university students, Demartravion Reed at Delta State University and Jay Slater in Tenerife, died recently. Authorities ruled both deaths as suicides, but families and civil rights groups demand independent investigations amid rumors and racial tensions. Ongoing inquiries include autopsies and review of evidence, with public concern over potential foul play.
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Cliff Johnson, a Democrat, announced his bid for Mississippi's northern seat, challenging incumbent Republican Trent Kelly. Johnson criticizes policies favoring the wealthy and promises to push back against the establishment. Kelly, a Trump supporter, seeks re-election amid a Republican-held state. Democrats aim to gain ground in Mississippi's political landscape.
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Nissan plans to relaunch the Xterra in 2028 as a hybrid SUV, filling capacity at its Mississippi plant. The model may include an Infiniti version and will help scale production, according to Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier. The move aims to strengthen Nissan's US manufacturing footprint.
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Two separate shootings occurred in the US this week. One on a school campus in Mississippi resulted in two deaths, while in Pennsylvania, police officers were shot and hospitalized. Authorities are investigating both incidents, with no public threat identified.
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Several states plan to withdraw their National Guard troops from Washington, D.C., by late October or November, signaling a potential end to the military presence linked to recent law enforcement efforts. The deployment, initiated in August, has been challenged legally and has raised concerns among residents about its normalization.
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Two small Mississippi towns, Leland and Heidelberg, experienced deadly shootings during their respective homecoming events. In Leland, four people were killed and about 20 injured after gunfire erupted downtown following a football game. In Heidelberg, two victims were shot on the school campus during homecoming, with an 18-year-old suspect at large. No arrests have been made.
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New York faces controversy over recent education guidance, including moves to eliminate timed math tests and promote phonics-based reading. Critics argue these policies undermine student performance, especially in math, where proficiency is declining. The debate highlights tensions between progressive approaches and traditional methods amid ongoing efforts to improve literacy and numeracy.
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A truck carrying rhesus monkeys from Tulane University overturned in Mississippi, leading to the escape of some animals. Authorities quickly euthanized most of the monkeys after initial reports falsely claimed they were infectious and dangerous. The incident highlights safety and misinformation issues surrounding research animals.
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A rhesus monkey that escaped after a truck crash near Heidelberg, Mississippi, has been successfully recovered. The incident involved the escape of five monkeys, with some shot by civilians and others killed during the hunt. The remaining monkey was found Wednesday near a home, raising concerns about animal safety and public health.
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The U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases on whether states can count late-arriving mail ballots, with implications for upcoming elections. Mississippi's law allowing ballots received after Election Day is under review, amid political debates over election integrity and voting rights. The decision could impact 18 states and the 2026 midterms.
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A small college in the Northeast Kingdom will close in May 2026 due to financial and enrollment challenges, while other regional institutions in Mississippi report growth. Meanwhile, Rwanda's universities benefit from government reforms increasing student intake and scholarships, reflecting broader trends in higher education funding and access.
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Recent data shows a 17% drop in first-time international students entering US colleges this fall, the sharpest decline since COVID-19. Overall enrollment fell slightly, but many universities face revenue shortfalls. Visa processing delays and restrictive policies are key factors, raising concerns about future international education trends.
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U.S. Border Patrol agents are expected to arrive in New Orleans as part of a nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with operations beginning in December and continuing into January. The deployment follows similar efforts in other cities, amid political tensions over immigration enforcement.
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Sheldon 'Timothy' Herrington Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and tampering in the death of Jimmie 'Jay' Lee, a gay man from Oxford, Mississippi. Lee disappeared in July 2022; his remains were found in February 2025. Herrington was sentenced to 40 years, with 30 to serve, for the killing.
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U.S. mass killings declined in 2025, with 17 incidents resulting in at least 81 deaths. Experts caution this may reflect a return to average levels rather than a lasting trend, with firearm involvement remaining high at 82%. The data highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence despite recent decreases.
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A rhesus macaque named Forrest escaped after a truck transporting 21 monkeys for research overturned on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg on October 28. After a week on the run, Forrest was captured and relocated to a New Jersey animal refuge, where he is now settling in. The incident involved five monkeys killed and others fleeing, with some shot by civilians. The refuge is seeking donations for his care.