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Kentucky Department of Education Updates 6th Grade Reading List with State and National Titles

Kentucky Department of Education Updates 6th Grade Reading List with State and National Titles

The Kentucky Department of Education has updated its 6th-grade reading list, incorporating both Kentucky-specific citations and titles from national sources. The comprehensive list now includes 725 books, with 36 titles directly cited in Kentucky's curriculum documents and 689 additional grade-appropriate books from national reading lists and awards. These national sources include the Common Core State Standards (ELA), the Andre Norton Award for Middle Grade & Young Adult Fiction, the Golden Kite Award, and the Newbery Medal. The Lexile measures for books on the list range from 410L to 1120L, catering to a wide range of reading abilities within the 6th-grade band, which typically falls between 925L and 1185L. Notable Kentucky-cited books for 6th grade include 'Smile,' 'The Crossover,' and 'The Graveyard Book.' The list aims to provide a starting point for educators and parents, acknowledging that individual schools and districts select their own titles.

Montana 4th Grade Reading List Blends State Standards with National Titles

Montana 4th Grade Reading List Blends State Standards with National Titles

Montana's 4th-grade reading list, curated by ReadingList.school, combines books cited in the Montana Content Standards with titles from national sources. This comprehensive list includes 674 books, with 32 specifically referenced in Montana's state standards and 642 grade-appropriate titles from national reading lists and awards. The Lexile levels for these books range from 390L to 1000L, catering to transitional readers in the 3rd-5th grade band. The emphasis for this age group is on shifting from learning-to-read to reading-to-learn, encouraging engagement with longer chapter books, early novels, and narrative non-fiction. The list also incorporates titles recognized by awards such as the Golden Kite Award, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the Newbery Medal, alongside those aligned with Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each book on the list provides its primary source, allowing educators and parents to verify its inclusion and relevance.

Colorado Releases Updated 3rd Grade Reading List Incorporating State and National Standards

Colorado Releases Updated 3rd Grade Reading List Incorporating State and National Standards

Colorado has updated its 3rd-grade reading list, which now includes 493 titles, with 7 specifically cited by Colorado Academic Standards. The comprehensive list also integrates books from national sources such as the Common Core State Standards (ELA) and various literary awards like the Golden Kite Award, Caldecott Medal, and Odyssey Award. The Lexile levels for books on this list range from 380L to 990L, catering to transitional readers in the 3-5 grade band. The emphasis for 3rd graders is shifting from 'learning-to-read' to 'reading-to-learn,' with assigned readings leaning towards early novels, narrative non-fiction, and full-length stories. The text complexity generally falls between 400L and 800L, though the list includes more accessible and 'stretch' texts to accommodate varying reading abilities within a classroom. The list is intended as a starting point, allowing teachers and parents flexibility in selecting appropriate books.

BGE Seeks Approval for FlexPay System and $156 Million Rate Hike Amidst Consumer Opposition

BGE Seeks Approval for FlexPay System and $156 Million Rate Hike Amidst Consumer Opposition

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. (BGE) is seeking approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission for a new payment system called FlexPay, which would allow customers to prepay for their gas and electric bills. Under FlexPay, customers would no longer receive monthly bills but would instead deposit money into an account and receive notifications about their balance and remaining power days. A minimum $40 prepayment would be required to opt into the system, with a portion going towards usage and a smaller amount to any deferred balance. If an account balance drops below zero, power would be shut off almost immediately, requiring a minimum $15 payment to restore service. Customers more than $600 behind on bills and those relying on life-sustaining medical equipment would be ineligible. Consumer advocates and local residents are strongly opposing FlexPay, arguing it would strip consumer protections and make power disconnections easier. Maryland law currently requires a 14-day notice before power disconnect...

Elkton Middle School Hosts 'Walk of Honor' to Celebrate U.S. Military Veterans

Elkton Middle School Hosts 'Walk of Honor' to Celebrate U.S. Military Veterans

Elkton Middle School in Elkton, Maryland, held its first 'Walk of Honor' on Wednesday morning, where students and staff lined the hallways, waving American flags and cheering for U.S. military veterans. The event, organized by community school advisor Jilene Orman, invited veterans from various generations and branches of service to walk through the school, often accompanied by their children, grandchildren, or godchildren who are students at the school. Sixth-grade students presented handwritten thank-you cards to the veterans. Participants included Cory Fairfield, who served in the Army from 2011 to 2013; Michael Wolf, a Marine Corps veteran who served from 2004 to 2008, including a deployment to Iraq; Dustin Dixon, a Marine Corps veteran from 2008-2016; and Murray Smith, who served in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966. The event also included a breakfast for the veterans.

Maryland Consumer Advocates Raise Concerns Over BGE's Proposed FlexPay Program and Rate Hikes

Maryland Consumer Advocates Raise Concerns Over BGE's Proposed FlexPay Program and Rate Hikes

Maryland consumer advocates are expressing significant concerns regarding Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)'s proposed FlexPay program and a broader $156 million rate increase request. The FlexPay program, a voluntary prepaid electricity option, is currently under review by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Advocates, including Carnegie Mellon University Professor Destenie Nock, argue that FlexPay could lead to a surge in disconnections, citing a 10% disconnection rate among participants in BGE's 2019-2020 prepaid pilot, compared to 1% for traditional customers. Under FlexPay, customers would forfeit certain disconnection protections, with power potentially shut off the day their account balance hits zero, requiring a minimum $15 replenishment for reconnection. This contrasts with the traditional 14-day notice and 55-day delay for those seeking energy assistance. Additionally, BGE's rate increase request would raise the average electricity bill by $8 per month, and Baltimore residents could face an addit...

Maryland Data Center Expansion Raises Concerns Over Electricity Demand Amid County Moratorium

Maryland Data Center Expansion Raises Concerns Over Electricity Demand Amid County Moratorium

Oppidan is seeking to nearly double the size of its Sandy Farms Data Center in Severn, Maryland, by adding over 88,000 square feet and a yard of 13 generators. This expansion plan comes as Anne Arundel County prepares to implement a moratorium on most new data center applications starting November 26, though expansions of existing facilities on adjacent land are exempt. The County Council passed Bill 63-26, effectively banning new applications until January 31, 2028, or until permanent rules are established. While the facility is air-cooled and uses minimal water, relying on public water and sewer, the expansion has raised pointed questions from neighbors regarding its electricity demands. There is concern about whether nearby electricity bills will rise or if new grid infrastructure will be required, especially given that regional data center demand has already contributed to keeping a Maryland coal plant operational until 2031. A county work group has ten months to recommend standards for data center sit...

Who is Chris Van Hollen, the senator challenging Chuck Schumer to be majority leader?

Who is Chris Van Hollen, the senator challenging Chuck Schumer to be majority leader?

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has emerged as a challenger to New York Sen. Chuck Schumer as the Democratic Party picks a Senate majority leader

Ben Cardin Trail Connects Delaware and Maryland, Offering Extensive Running Route

Ben Cardin Trail Connects Delaware and Maryland, Offering Extensive Running Route

Ben Cardin Trail Connects Delaware and Maryland, Offering Extensive Running Route

Baltimore Braces for Season's First Snow Flurries

Baltimore Braces for Season's First Snow Flurries

Baltimore is set to experience its first snow flurries of the season as the coldest air mass so far this year moves into Maryland. According to WBAL, temperatures will drop significantly starting Thursday, with highs around 60°F (15°C) and lows near 39°F (4°C). By Friday, the high will only reach 49°F (9°C), with mostly cloudy skies, windy conditions, and a chance of morning rain showers mixed with flurries. The storm system is tracking closer to the New Jersey coast, increasing the likelihood of precipitation in Maryland. Higher elevations in Western Maryland, such as Garrett County, may see a light coating of wet snow on grassy surfaces. This marks the first potential snowfall in Baltimore for the 2026 season, following a trend of varying first snow dates over the past decade.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) Seeks Rate Increase Amidst Maryland Energy Debate

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) Seeks Rate Increase Amidst Maryland Energy Debate

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is seeking a rate increase that would affect ratepayers in Baltimore City. This proposed increase is part of a broader energy debate in Maryland, which also includes discussions around the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. City leaders have expressed opposition to BGE's proposed rate hike, while BGE argues that energy supply costs are a significant factor contributing to affordability issues. The ongoing discussions highlight concerns about potential higher energy bills for Maryland residents as winter approaches. The debate also involves a new push to involve the U.S. Supreme Court in matters related to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo Arrested on Forgery, Deception, and Habitual Offender Charges in Nashua

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo Arrested on Forgery, Deception, and Habitual Offender Charges in Nashua

Erick Reyes-Hidalgo has been arrested in Nashua, New Hampshire, facing multiple charges including forgery, deception, and being a habitual offender. These charges stem from incidents that occurred in January 2025 and a more recent event on Tuesday. Reyes-Hidalgo was also wanted on existing warrants from both Maryland and New Hampshire, indicating a history of legal issues across state lines. The Nashua Police Department made the arrest, bringing attention to the ongoing efforts to address criminal activity within the city. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants and a pattern of repeat offenses.