Moles Can Lead to Cancer

Moles are common skin growths that tend to pop up throughout our lives, the Health website reports today ( Nov. 27, 2024). 

For the most part, moles are common and harmless. But sometimes, they can become cancerous due to excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunlight or tanning beds. Melanoma can develop when a mole's appearance -- including the shape, color, and size -- changes drastically or a new mole appears. 

Melanoma occurs in the cells that typically produce your skin pigmentation, called melanocytes. It is uncommon compared to other skin cancers -- like basal and squamous cell -- only accounting for about 1% of all cases. However, melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, 

according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).  

Common moles are usually small, have a round and smooth surface, and are dome--shaped , according to the NCI. They are also typically pink or brown, the color generally coordinating with a person's complexion tone. 

" There are congenital moles  -- like birthmarks -- moles that are completely benign, and then there are dysplastic moles with some atypic , meaning under the microscope we see atypical or odd--looking cells," Mary Seevenson, M.D., a dermatologic surgeon in New York City, told Health. 

A cancerous mole can pop up on areas of the skin previously free of moles. They can also appear in the eye, digestive system, or  in other areas of the body. Melanoma isa the deadliest type of skin cancer because it can invade nearby and distant tissue inside the body -- like the lungs, liver , bone, or brain. This is also known as metastasizing. 

"UV light exposure is tha single biggest risk factor for the development of cancerous spots," Joshua Zeichner , M.D. at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City told Health. 

Pope Calls on Churches to Implement Synod Proposals

 Pope Francis yesterday published a note calling on local churches to accept and implement proposals from the final document of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, the Catholic News website reports today (Nov. 25, 2024). 

The document "participates in the ordinary magisterium of the successor of Peter, and as such, I ask that it be accepted," the pope wrote in the note. 

"Local churches and groupings of churches are now called upon to implement, in different contexts, the authoritative indications contained in the document, through the processes of discernment and decision--making provided by law and by the document itself," he wrote nearly a month after the Synod's close. 

The final document outlined key priorities for the Church, including increased participation of laity through new ministries and adjusted governing structures, greater transparency and accountability among Church leadership, and creating space for previously marginalized groups. 

In his note, Pope Francis clarified that while the document is "not strictly normative" and must be adapted to contexts where it is applied, it still obligates "local churches to make choices consistent with what was indicated" in the document. 

Meanwhile, he said, the General Secretariat of the Synod and various dicasteries of the Roman Curia will be tasked with overseeing the Synodal journey's "implementation phase."

Dementia and Alzheimer's May Be Overcome with Hearing Aids

 As you get older, the likelihood of facing challenges like dementia or Alzheimer's increases, the Senior Health Today website reports today (Nov. 24, 2024). 

Research has shown that by the age of 90, an astounding 1 in 3 individuals will be impacted by one of these conditions. 

The risk gets higher with each year, and for  those affected, the condition continues to get worse. 

The biggest reason for this age--related mental deterioration is hearing loss. 

Hearing loss is a major factor because as we experience age--related hearing loss, it reduces our ability to connect and have meaningful interactions with others. 

When you can't hear and understand conversations with others, it makes you less likely to want to have those interactions. 

Many sufferers of hearing loss end up isolating themselves from their friends, loved ones, and strangers. This can cause a domino effect, leading to many conditions asssociated  with aging: memory loss, losss of motor function, loss of language abilities, dementia, depression, and Alzheimer's.These conditions may be reduced by the use of hearing aids. 

These devices, when used correctly, are tools of transformation for the brain. Think of them as a shortcut, or a hack, to rejuvenate your brain's function. 

A study by Johns Hopkins recently showed that by wearing hearing aids, you can reduce your risk of cognitive decline by nearly half. 

Another study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine showed that after 18 months of using hearing aids, an incredible 97.3% of participants either maintained or notably enhanced their executive brain function. 

In essence, by tackling hearing loss head--on with hearing aids, you're employing  a direct "brain--hack" that fortifies your brain against the challenges that come with age. 

Pope to Visit Med. Island of Corsica in Dec.

 The French Diocese of Ajaccio announced this week that Pope Francis will make a daytrip to the island of Corsica next month, further prioritizing the Mediterranean region, the Crux website reports today (Nov. 23, 2024).

Pope Francis will visit Corsica on Dec. 15, according to an announcement on the website of the local Diocese of Ajaccio, which is led by Cardinal Francois--Xavier Bustillo.

The theme of the pope's trip will be, "Jesus went about doing good." The trip will come just two days before Francis's 88th birthday on Dec.17.

It will mark the first papal trip to the French Mediterranean island.

Francis's visit to the island will mark his 47th foreign trip since his election to the papacy in 2013, and it will be his third time in France. 

French President Emmanuel Macron invited Pope Francis to Paris for the Dec. 8 reopening of the city's famed Notre Dame cathedral, after a fire destroyed vast portions of it in 2019. However, that day, the pope will be celebrating Mass with a slew of new cardinals who will have received a red hat the day before, during a Dec. 7 consistory. 

The pope's message to Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon, will likely refer to Europe's deeply Christian roots, and could include calls for greater social responsibility toward migrants and the poor, and for attention to the climate issue. 

Over 160,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled Due to E.Coli

 More than 160,000 pounds of ground beef  from Wolverine Packing Co. were recalled nationwide over potential E. coli contamination , the Health website reports today (Nov. 22, 2024).

The meat was connected to a 15--person E.coli outbreak in Minnesota, prompting the USDA to label the recall a class 1. for the highest risk of illness. 

The USDA said the ground beef was distributed to restaurants across the country , and is urging restaurants to check their fridges and freezers for the affected products. 

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. meat manufacturer , voluntarily recalled 167,277 pounds of ground beef products after a small E. coli outbreak was connected to the meat. 

Fifteen people in Minnesota reported E. coli infections between Nov. 2 and Nov. 10 after consuming the ground beef. 

The USDA  listed the recall as class 1. -- the highest classification -- meaning there is a "reasonable probability" that consuming the affected product will result in serious health consequences or death. 

Ellen DeGeneres Has Moved to England

Ellen DeGeneres has relocated to the countryside in England, the People website reports today (Nov. 21, 2024).

The former talk show host, whose long--running eponymous series ended in May 2022,  has moved abroad  after finding a house she fell in love with in the U.K.

Just last week, Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, were spotted at  The Farmer's Dog, a pub owned by the English TV presenter and journalist  Jeremy Clarkson in the Catswalds.

"They hung out with Clarkson's partner, actress Lisa Hogan and James Blunt, and  The Carts performed at the pub, "     a  source said. 

DeGeneres is a well--known collector of multimillion --dollar homes, and owns several properties in Southern California. People previously reported she sold a Montecito, Calif. home in May 2024 for $32 million  and another property in the same town she owned for less than a year in April 2022 for $15 million. 

DeGeneres stepped out of the spotlight after nearly 20 years on the air following toxic workplace accusations made against her by co--workers in 2020. The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which was on the air for 19 seasons, aired its final episode on May 20, 2022. 

The entertainer spoke out for the first time in a Netflix comedy special , "Ellen's Last Stand--Up" tour in July 2024 and addressed her controversies. 

"Let me catch you up on what's been going on  with me since you last saw me," she said. "I got chickens. Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean." 

When later questioned about whether she would return to fame in the future, DeGeneres gave a hard "no." 

Many Discounts Available for Seniors in 2024

 With all that's happened over the past few years, seniors are now entitled to more discounts and savings programs than ever, the Super Savings website reports today (Nov. 20, 2024). 

Senior benefits and discounts are one of the few great perks that come with getting older. Savvy American  seniors have been taking advantage of these benefits to recession--proof their finances . Yet each year, millions of Americans forget to apply for them, because they don't know they exist.

Consequently, they forgo thousands of dollars in extra savings each year. A list of t he top discounts seniors can take advantage of in 2024 include:

1. Don't pay for another costly home repair out of pocket again. It's always a disruption  when appliances like the the ACs or washing machines break down. Clever homeowners are using the new Choice Home Warranty, and are saving thousands in the long run by protecting themselves against unexpected home repairs. All applicants are covered entirely by this program, and in many cases, they will completely replace your appliance with a brand new one. 

2. Seniors relieve joint discomfort 

with this tip. It's called Instaflex Advanced. Studies show it delivers increasing benefits over 90 days of use. Instaflex also needs only one tiny capsule a day. 

3. Homeowners in eligible zip codes can save up to $1,632 a year on their home insurance. A brilliant online tool dubbed as "The Amazon of Home Insurance" can reduce Americans' payments by as much as $1,632 per year. Experts are urging homeowners to take advantage of this free online tool. 

4. Open a Sofi checking account and earn up to $300. Sofi offers a checking account with no account fees, early direct deposit, and cash back rewards. Seniors can benefit from an easy--to--use platform with additional perks, such as overdraft protection and a high--yield savings option. 

Ukraine Uses U.S. Missiles on Russia for First Time

 The Russian Defense  Ministry said today (Nov. 19, 2024) that Ukraine launched ATACMS missiles at Russia's Bryansk region shortly after Joe Biden gave approval for U. S. military supplies to be deployed on Russian territory, the EuroNews website reports. 

The ministry said Ukraine "struck a facility in the Bryansk region with six ballistic missiles." 

Moscow went on to say its air defenses shot down five of the missiles and damaged one more. 

"The fragments fell on the tactical territory in the Bryansk  region, causing fire that was quickly extinguished. There were no casualties or any damage. 

The strike marks the first case of  Ukraine using the U.S.--made and supplied ATACMS missiles on Russian territory since Washington lifted its restrictions a few days ago. 

Carrots Recalled after E. Coli Outbreak Leaves 1 Dead, Dozens Ill

Organic carrots from Grimmway Farms have been recalled, after the produce was linked to an E. coli outbreak, leaving 38 ill and one dead, the Health website reports today (Nov. 18, 2024). 

The affected bags of baby and whole carrots were sold at Trader Joe's, Wegman's, Whole Foods, and other stores from August to October. 

The CDC  (Center for Disease Control) says the recalled carrots are likely no longer in stores, bu it is urging everyone to check their fridge for the affected products and throw them away. 

Grimmway Farms voluntarily recalled multiple brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots connected to 39 E. coli infections , including 15 hospitalizations and one death in California. The cases were reported from Sept. 6 to Oct. 28in 18 states, with the most illnesses in Washington state, New York, and Minnesota. 

The true number of cases is likely much higher   than the current figure because it takes three to four weeks to determine if an illness is part of an outbreak, and many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli. The outbreak may also affect more states than the ones with known illnesses. 

Pope Honors Christian Martyrs in All Denominations

In a heartfelt address to participants of a Vatican conference on martyrdom, the pope highlighted the unity of Christians in the face of persecution, regardless of denominational differences, the Christian Today website reports today (Nov. 17, 2024).

"Even today, in many parts of the world, there are many martyrs who gave their lives to Christ," Pope Francis said, speaking to the "No Greater Love: Martyrdom and Offering of Life" conference. 

He lamented that, "In many cases,  Christians are persecuted because, pushed by their faith in God, they defend justice, truth, peace, and human dignity."

The conference, which took place from Nov. 11 to 14 in Rome, brought together theologians, scholars, and religious leaders to explore the theological, historical, and cultural significance of martyrdom. 

In a bid to further honor these sacrifices, Pope Francis announced the establishment of a special commission within the Dicastery  for the Causes of Saints. This initiative is dedicated to studying and documenting the lives and testimonies of contemporary martyrs from various Christian traditions, aiming to inspire faith and solidarity among Christians worldwide through 2025.

Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns over Handling of Abuse Cases

 Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced his resignation on Nov. 12, 2024, saying he takes "personal and institutional responsibility"  for the misleading of a number of high --profile abuse cases in the Anglican Church since taking the reigns in 2013, the Catholic World Report website reports today (Nov. 16, 2024). 

"I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down, I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse," Welby said in a statement.

Although not accused of abuse himself, Welby was criticized for his response to a number of abuse cases within the church he led. Calls for Welby's resignation reached a fever pitch in recent days, led by victims of a notorious Anglican serial sexual abuser, John Smyth.

A prominent attorney who volunteered at Christian summer camps in the 1970s and 1989s, the deceased Smyth was later found to have committed physical abuse and psychological coercion against over 100 boys and young men across multiple countries. 

In 2013, after taking office as archbishop, Welby was verbally informed of Smyth's abuse, but said he mistakenly believed that police and local authorities had been informed and chose to take no further action, the report says. 

Many Anglican Christians believe that Justin Welby had a personal and moral responsibility to pursue this further, regardless of the policies at play at the time required. 

New Study: Obesity Is Huge Risk Factor for Early Death

 A new study that looked into the U.S. obesity epidemic predicted that 260 million Americans could be obese or overweight by 2050, the Yahoo News website reports today (Nov. 15, 2024). 

The study noted that obesity among U.S. adults and older teens has doubled in the past three decades. Being overweight and obese are among the fastest--growing risk factors for early death. Study co--author Dr. Marie Ng said the U.S. is at a "crisis point." 

Ng said that while demand for weight loss drugs may increase, they're "not a silver bullet," and called for  more focus on prevention, starting with pregnancy and infant feeding practices, healthier school meals, and nutrition regulations. 

U.S. Bishops Vote to Prioritize Evangelizing the Unaffiliated and Youth

 Out of the U.S. Bishops' Conference 2024 fall general assembly comes a new mission directive to guide the conference's work from 2025--2028, which places an emphasis on reaching the religiously unaffiliated, disaffiliated,, and young people, the Crux website reports today (Nov. 14, 2024). 

The new mission directive, which was overwhelmingly approved on Nov. 13 in a 225 --7 vote, states : "Responding even more deeply to the call to proclaim the Gospel and form Missionary Disciples, the Committees and Staff of the USCCB will prioritize  the work of the Conference to help equip bishops, clergy, religious, and the laity in evangelizing those who are religiously unaffiliated from the Church, with special focus on young adults and the youth.

The new mission directive was presented by Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, the Secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, during the Nov. 12 public session. There, Coakley told his fellow bishops that the directive does not replace the work that is mandated by each USCCB committee, but instead "asks that each committee find new and creative ways in which it can dedicate time and effort to address the mission directive." 

"This proposed mission directive directs the work and resources of the conference, requiring each committee to prioritize ways in which it can help aid bishops,  priests, and laity in evangelizing the disaffiliated ," Coakley explained. 

Church Leaders : Synod and Eucharistic Revival Require Work that Lies Ahead

In separate addresses to the American bishops, Cardinal Christophe Pierre and Archbishop Timothy Broglio spoke on two major Church events of   the past year --the Synod of Bishops on Synodality and the National Eucharistic Revival  -- and the need to keep each alive,the Crux website reports today (Nov. 13, 2024). 

Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, connected the synod and Eucharistic revival, as well as the upcoming jubilee of 2025, to Pope Francis's recent encyclical, Dilexit nos (heloredus) on the Sacred of Jesus, in which the Holy Father underlines the social dimension  of Christ's love and caring for other sas an extension of a personal , intimate relationship with God. 

"Eucharistic revival, a more synodal form of evsangelization,a jubilee year of hope --all of these experiences will produce fruit provided that we return to the heart of Christ, that sacred place where human longing and divine love are united," Pierre told the American bishops. 

Several Eastern U.S. Cities Hit with Record--Breaking Drought

 The historic drought that for weeks has showered a swath  of the U. S. from Virginia through New England with red flag wildfire warnings shows no signs of easing soon, the USA Today website reports today (Nov. 12, 2024). 

Adam Douty, a senior meteorologist  at AccuWeather, says some of the hardest hit areas would require 7 inches or more of rain to end the dry spell. No such weather pattern is in sight, he said. 

Cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Trenton, N.J. broke records for a number of days withou appreciable rain before showers reached the region on Nov. 10. 

Philadelphia went 42 days; the old record was 29 days, Douty said. "They not only broke the record, they smashed it." 

The weather service in Boston issued red flag warnings for all of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, citing the combination of new fires, dry weather, and gusty northwest winds 15 to 25 mph today.

Since early this year, climate scientists have been saying 2024 was likely to be the warmest year on record. Ten months in, it's now "virtually certain," the Copernicus Climate Change Service has announced. The previous hottest year on record was last year.

Episcopal Church Loses 40K Members; Still Worship Attendance Grows

The Episcopal Church saw a decline in membership of some 40,000 people last year, but also saw an increase in average Sunday worship attendance, the Christian Post website reports today (Nov. 11, 2024). 

According to numbers released on Nov. 8, the mainline Protestant denomination had a membership of approximately 1,547 million people and 6,754 congregations in 2023. 

This marks a decline from 2022, when the denomination reported having 1,584 million members and a slight decrease in the number of congregations, which was 6,789. 

It also represents a sharp drop compared to 2010, when the denomination reported that its membership was 1.96 million or a half million more people than last year. 

Howqever, for the second consecutive year, the denomination saw a rise in average Sunday worship attendance, with 2023 seeing nearly 411,000 average attendance, while 2022 had 373,000 and 2021 had 312,000. 

The rise reflects a gradual recovery from the COVID--19 pandemic, when worship attendance plummeted. 

Over the last couple of decades, the Episcopal Church has experienced considerable decline in its membership, driven by multiple factors, including its progressive theological direction. 

For example, in 2003, when the denomination ordained its first openly gay bishop, scores of theologically conservative congregartions and a couple of dioceses opted to leave in protest. 

Earlier this month, the Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, said, "We are one church, one church in Jesus Christ."  

Pope Calls for Rediscovery of Rosary's Ability to Evangelize Church

 Pope Francis has called for a rediscovery of the Rosary's ability to evangelize the Church, in his letter commemorating 150 years since the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary arrived at the Italian Shrine of Pompeii, the Cath. News website reports today (Nov.10, 2024).

"The Rosary, a simple tool accessible to everyone, can support the renewed evangelization to which the Church  is called today," Pope Francis wrote in his message to Pompeii Archbishop Tommaso Caputo,the papal delegate for the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The ecclesial community in Pompeii is preparing to celebrate a Jubilee Year with various pastoral initiatives to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the revered image of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

Pope Francis began his message noting he spiritually unites with all those who will celebrate this significant occasion and will pause in prayerful recollection  at the Marian temple of Pompeii,to find comfort and hope in the sweet face of the Heavenly Mother. 

"It is wonderful," the pope said, "to rediscover the Rosary in this perspective, to assimilate the mysteries of the life  of the Savior, contemplating them with the eyes of Mary."

How Trump's Presidency May Affect the US Economy

 President--elect  Donald Trump's plans for higher tariffs, lower taxes, and more curbs on immigration are expected to reignite inflation, but economic forecasters are divided over whether they'll weaken or boost the U.S. economy, the USA Today website reports today (Nov. 9, 2024). 

Eventually, Trump's signature economic policies may cancel out the benefits of his plans for lower taxes. That could weaken growth overall, but would stop short of triggering a recession, economists say. 

Americans are living in the moment, optimistic that Trump can ease the pain of high inflation over the past four years. Election polls consistently showed the economy and inflation were top of mind. 

"I voted for Donald Trump because four years ago, the economy was way better than it is right now and I trust that he will fix the economy again," said Charles Maleski of Chalfont, Penn. 

Trump, a Republican and the 45th president, won election over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris . Control of the U.S. Senate flipped to Republicans , while as of yesterday afternoon, the House remained up for grabs. 

"There is a great deal of speculation in the market, because the policies of a Trump Presidency with a Republican Congress will be starkly different than those of  the Biden Administration," Michael O'Rourke , chief market strategist at Jones Trading, said in an email. 

Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of 10% or 20% on all imports, and up to 60% on Chinese shipments. 

Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics, said, "While President Trump's policies will diminish the economy, they will not undermine it, as the President will likely moderate his policies and even pivot if it looks like they are doing significant economic damage."

Justice Dept.: 3 Charged in Iranian Plot to KIll President--Elect Trump

 The Justice Deprt. announced today (Nov. 8, 2024) that three men were charged in a murder--for--hire plot to kill President--elect Donald Trump in revenge for the death of a top Iranian military commander, the USA Today website reports. 

Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran, and Carlisle Rivera,49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of New York were named in the indictment. 

Rivera and Loadholt were each arrested yesterday in New York and were ordered held pending trial during an initial court appearance.Shakeri remains at large and is believed to be in Iran.

The charges allege Iran has been targeting U.S. citizens to take vengeance for the January 2020 death of Qasem Soleimani, commandewr of the Qods Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who was killed by a drone strike in Baghad on Trump.s orders. 

Iran has targeted Trump personally with assassination plots and his campaign through hacking attempts as it sought to disrupt the 2024 presidential race, officials say. 

"There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. "The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran's assassination plots against its targets, including President--elect Donald Trump." 

Shakeri is an Iranian Republican Guard asset who lives in Tehran, Iran, according to prosecutors. Shakeri had immigrated to the U.S. as a child and was deported in about 2008 after serving 14 years in prison  for a robbery conviction. 

In recent months, Shakeri has used a network of criminal associates he met in prison to supply the Iranian Republican Guard with operatives to conduct surveillance and assassinations . Two members of Shakeri's network are his co--defendants , Rivera and Loadholt. 

"We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security," Aty. Gen. Garland said. 

Key Papal Aide: Vatican Will Seek Dialogue with Trump

 Despite conflicts with Pope Francis on matters ranging from immigration and climate change to China and the Middle East during Donald Trump's last stint in the White House, a senior Vatican official has said that during his new term , Rome intends to "seek dialogue," the Crux website reports today (Nov. 7, 2024). 

Italian Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, under--secretary of the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and a close advisor to Pope Francis, spoke yesterday in interviews with Italian news agencies. 

Dialogue is needed, Spadaro said, first of all, "for a better American society, where it's obvious that many people don't feel at home, where they don't feel recognized and protected, and there's a cry to be heard." 

"Catholics don't have homogenous party affiliations or political convictions in the United States or anywhere else," he said. "It has held the compass of values steady, but without taking sides, precisely to avoid a spurious mixing of religion with politics."

"Dialogue and diplomacy are useful precisely for building bridges and knocking down walls,"  Spadaro said. 

Christians in Spain Call for Prayer Following Flooding Disaster; Flooding Caused Deaths of at Least 205 People

Evangelical Christians in Valencia on the eastern coast of Spain have called for prayer support in the aftermath of last week's catastrophic flooding that caused the deaths of at least 205 people, the Worthy News website reports today (Nov. 6, 2024). 

The disaster began on the evening of October 29 when a meteorological phenomenon known as isolated Depression at High Altitudes triggered torrential rains in around the city. 

Reporting from Valencia, Joel Forster of the Protestante Digital media outlet said:"We've been hit by water like the sea.We have a huge flood. The ravine has overflowed, carrying away bridges, and has reached our neighborhood, which is far away."

Acording to the Christian Daily International (CDI), the catastrophe has seen Evangelical churches rush to assist victims and to help with organizing humanitarian aid, and collaborating in assistance networks. 

"Amid the adversity, Christian leaders have highlighted the importance of providing spiritual support to those affected. We must unite and pray for our community and our brothers in Christ," they emphasized, "calling on the entire Evangelical community to come together in prayer and support," CDI stated in its report. 

NY to Phase out Regents Exams for High School Grads by 2027

NY state education officials announced today (Nov. 4, 2024) that the high school class of 2027 will be the last in New York who need to pass Regents exams to earn a high school diploma, the NY Daily News website reports. 

The projected timeline is part of a five--year plan presented to the board of Regents to rework graduation measures, including to drop high stakes tests as a requirement. Other changes would consolidate three types of diplomas into one , adjust credit requirements , and broaden the skills and knowledge students need to graduate. 

For a standard diploma, current students must pass at least four Regents exams and a state--approved assessment,and meet certain credit requirements. Research has found that requiring students to pass standardized tests to graduate provides little evidence of the tests' efficacy.

College Tuition Is Now Dropping

 The full cost of attending a public college is falling, rather than rising, after you adjust it for inflation, the USA Today website reports today (Nov. 1, 2024). 

The average net price in tuition and fees for an in--state student at a four--year public college has plummeted by 40% in a decade, after inflation, from $4,140 in 2014 --15 --to an estimated $2,480 in 2024--25,according to the College Board. 

The figures represent the average net price of college tuition and fees for a first--time student, after you deduct grants, scholarships, and other discounts and account for inflation. 

The full cost of attending public college is falling, too, although not so swiftly. The net cost of of in--state attendance , including room and board and other expenses, has declined from $23,050 in 2014 to $20,780 in 2024, after factoring in grants and inflation, the College Board found. 

"State governments have been reinvesting in higher education over the last decade,"ater a round of dramatic cuts in the Great Recession era, said Nicholas Hillman, a professor and expert on higher education finance at the University of Wisconsin --Madison. 

Tuition costs also vary widely from state to state. The least expensive state is Florida, the College Board reports, with average tuition and fees of $6,360 for in--state students. The most expensive is Vermont, with an average of $17,490.Nearly every state charges less in 2024 than it did in 2019, after inflation.