American naturalist, essayist, abolitionist and transcendentalist
The Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial has faced algae blooms, peeling paint and security concerns after a multi‑million renovation. Officials say vandalism claims are under investigation while critics demand transparency. New proposals call for nature‑based algae control as the administration faces questions over maintenance and costs.
Pencils remain a staple in classrooms as debates about testing shift with technology. The piece traces the No. 2 pencil’s American origins, its enduring role in exams, and the culture around handwritten work in a digital era.
Wendell Berry has died at 92 in Port Royal, Kentucky. The Kentucky-born author and critic of industrial farming had published more than 40 books and influenced figures from Michael Pollan to Alice Waters. His work linked literature to land, community and a simpler life, while challenging modern prosperity and mechanization.
A US father has filed a federal lawsuit against his son’s school district, arguing that notice and opt-out requirements for LGBTQ-related lessons violate his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The district reportedly limited opt-outs, while a Pride Month presentation touched on gender identity and surgery. The case underscores parental rights in education as districts balance policy and law.