Reading reform, drone strike, and a 42-year waitlist.

Happy Monday Today’s edition is 789 words, a 3-minute read.

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Big Stories

States reform reading in schools

States and cities across the US are rethinking the way reading is taught in classrooms.

• 37 states and DC have passed laws or policies that switch out old reading curriculums for new ones proven effective by studies. Many districts rely on an outdated methodology that doesn’t translate to results — nearly 40% of 4th graders are below basic reading proficiency, according to a standard national exam.

• The old methods were based on an approach called “balanced literacy” which directed teachers to read aloud to kids, instill a love of books, and teach word association or memorization games. The new approach called “the science of reading” is more straightforward, emphasizing key pillars including phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

• All kids pick up on storytelling and communication naturally but some struggle with reading. That’s why a balance in both methodologies is best, according to the Speech and Language Literacy Lab at MGH Institute in Boston. However, the transition could take a while as many educators were taught different methods and are pushing back. Teachers are also facing burnout and leaving the profession in mass.

Drone strike kills US soldiers in Jordan

Three US soldiers were killed and dozens more were injured in a drone strike in Jordan.

• The attack occurred at a US military outpost known as Tower 22 near the Syrian border. Officials said the drone was launched by Iran-backed militants and appeared to come from Syria.

• The attack is the deadliest on US troops since the Israel-Hamas war began last October. Thirty-four soldiers have been confirmed injured and the number is expected to rise, per US Central Command.

• President Biden said that, while facts are still being gathered, we know Iran-backed militants carried out the attack, and they will be held accountable. The US has launched a few retaliatory strikes against the Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria. Still, many lawmakers have criticized the Biden administration for not taking strong enough action.

Action-packed sports weekend

The NFL playoffs and the Australian Open tennis tournament both saw upsets and repeats of last year.

• The Kansas City Chiefs are headed back to the Superbowl for the fourth time in five years after beating the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 on Sunday. Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce pulled in 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. He passed Jerry Rice for the most receptions in NFL playoff history with 156.

• The San Francisco 49ers beat the Detroit Lions 27-24 to punch their ticket to the Superbowl. Down 24-7 after the first half, the 49ers rattled off 17 points over 8 minutes to tie the game. A field goal halfway through the fourth quarter sealed the game. San Francisco lost to Kansas City four years ago in Super Bowl LIV.

• Jannik Sinner bested Daniil Medvedev in the Men’s Australian Open final to win his first major title after going down two sets in the best-of-five match. On the women’s side, Arnya Sabalenka beat Zheng Qinwen in straight sets to win her second AO title in a row.

Little Stories

• French farmers plan to put Paris under “total siege” as they continue to protest against government control in the agricultural industry. Farmers have blocked off major roads into the city with tires, debris, and tractors demanding better compensation for their crops, fewer regulations, and protections against cheap imports. (More)

• House Republicans introduced articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alexander Mayorkas blaming him for the spike in illegal border crossing and fentanyl trafficking. (More)

• The Pro Volleyball Federations had its inaugural match in Omaha and drew a record crowd of 11,624 - the most at a women’s professional volleyball game in the US. The upstart league currently has seven teams and will expand to 10 in 2025. (More)

• The world’s largest cruise ship set sail from Miami on its maiden voyage around the Caribbean. The ship has 20 decks, seven swimming pools, over 40 bars and restaurants, and can carry 7,600 people. It cost a whopping $2 billion to build. (More)

• Around 20 survivors of Nazi death camps gathered in southern Poland on Saturday to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Nazis killed nearly 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, at Birkenau. Overall, the Nazis murdered nearly 6 million European Jews during the Holocaust. (More)

Extra Credit

Protestors tossed soup on the Mona Lisa.

A woman survived overnight in a gondola at a Lake Taho ski resort.

Passengers are defending a man who used the emergency exit to get onto the wing of an airplane in Mexico City.

A Japanese restaurant has a 43-year waitlist for its beef croquettes.