In the News – Page 4

What Is a “Gravity Hole”?

How would you describe Earth’s shape? Most would say it is round or shaped like a ball. But experts describe its shape as a “lumpy potato.” It is flatter at the poles and wider in … Read more

Remembering the Life of Sandra Day O’Connor

Today, four of the nine justices in the US Supreme Court are women. It wasn’t always that way. Before 1981, no women had been on the US Supreme Court. Then, Sandra Day O’Connor changed all … Read more

Rhode Island Gets a Historic New Member of Congress

Gabe Amo has started a new job. On November 7, 2023, he was the first African American from Rhode Island to be elected to the US House of Representatives. As you may know, congressional elections … Read more

Why Are West Coast Hurricanes Unusual?

In August, Tropical Storm Hilary hit California. It caused mudslides and flooding. Hilary was the first tropical storm to hit this part of the United States since 1997. Tropical storms and hurricanes are common on … Read more

What Does the Speaker of the House of Representatives Do?

If something happens to the president, the vice president takes over. But what happens if something happens to the president and the vice president? Do you know who is next in line to be president? … Read more

Tarantulas on the Move

You might observe some creepy creatures out and about this month. It is tarantula mating season. This means that male tarantulas are out searching for a mate [a partner with which one reproduces]. Tarantulas are … Read more

Two Disasters Strike North Africa

The region of North Africa recently suffered from two natural disasters in a row. First, an earthquake struck Morocco. Then, just days later, heavy rains caused deadly floods in Libya. Both disasters caused widespread destruction. … Read more

Challenges of the Deep Sea

Earlier this summer, a deep-sea submersible [underwater craft designed for research or exploration] collapsed. There were five people on board. This accident has highlighted the challenges of deep-sea research. Deep-sea organisms survive without sunlight. Oceans … Read more

Wildfires Devastate Maui

You may have heard about the Great Chicago Fire. It was a famous fire that burned down a large part of Chicago. You may have also heard about major fires recently in Canada, California, or … Read more

Saturn is the King of Moons

A moon is an object in space. It orbits a host planet. Earth has one moon. Some planets do not have any moons. Others, like Saturn and Jupiter, have many moons. Saturn is the “moon … Read more