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United States

Government

A New Tax Law

January 8, 2018

On December 22, President Donald Trump signed a new tax bill into law. It is the biggest change to U.S. tax law since 1986. He signed the bill in the Oval Office. He said the bill is “something I’m very…

People

10 Questions for Jessica Watkins

December 8, 2017

In June, 12 people were chosen from more than 18,000 applicants for NASA’s 2017 astronaut-candidate class. Jessica Watkins, 29, is the youngest of the group. She talked to TFK’s Dante A. Ciampaglia. 1. What made you want to become…

Government

A Guilty Plea

December 7, 2017

Michael Flynn used to work for President Donald Trump. On December 1, he went to court. He pleaded guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He also agreed to work with Robert Mueller. Mueller is leading an…

Government

Texting Outlawed

November 13, 2017

It’s illegal in 47 states to text while driving. But walking? On October 25, Honolulu, Hawaii, made it against the law to text or look down at an electronic device while crossing the street. Lawmakers hope this will solve a…

Government

In Need of Repair

November 6, 2017

Nearly 150 years ago, workers hammered the last spike in America’s first coast-to-coast railroad. Then came grand train stations, big bridges, and the endless ribbon of highways. These were spectacular engineering achievements. They became monuments to American ingenuity and power.…

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Government

TFK Explains: The Russia Investigation

November 6, 2017

Robert Mueller has filed the first charges in the Russia investigation. Here’s what you need to know. What is the Russia investigation? During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, Russians broke into the computer systems of Republican and Democratic Party leaders.…

Books

New Words

November 6, 2017

Merriam-Webster regularly adds new words and phrases to its online dictionary. In September, the dictionary expanded once again. More than 250 new words and phrases were added. Some of the words and phrases have been around for many years. Others…

Debate

The Homework Debate

October 30, 2017

In July 2017, families in Marion County, Florida, got some surprising news. “Traditional homework as we know it will disappear, at least for elementary students,” Heidi Maier said in a voice message to parents. Maier is the school superintendent. “Instead,…

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Debate

Do Kids Need Homework?

October 30, 2017

TFK asked two experts to weigh in on homework. Janine Bempechat teaches human development and psychology at Wheelock College, in Massachusetts. Below, she explains why homework serves an important purpose for students of all ages. Etta Kralovec teaches education…

People

Boy Scouts to Welcome Girls

October 23, 2017

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced on October 11 that it will admit girls. The new policy will begin next year. Girls will be able to join the Cub Scout program. It is open to kids in grades 1 to…