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Florida’s new black history curriculum ‘sanitized’, say critics
Reuters By Sam Cabral BBC News Florida has approved controversial new standards for teaching African American history at the state’s public schools. The updated guidelines include a requirement that students learn “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit”. Critics called the new guidelines “sanitized” and “a big…
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Can houseplants purify the air in your home?
Getty Images By Christine Ro Technology of Business reporter Most people don’t realise just how many pollutants are swirling around indoors, where they typically spend most of their time. For example, many of the products we use for cleaning and freshening our homes, schools and workplaces are adding invisible toxins to the air. “The smell…
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Drones are showing us sharks like never before
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. By Madeline Halpert & Kayla Epstein BBC News, New York A boom in drone photography has helped shed new light on the murky ocean, and closer-than-you-think encounters between humans and sharks. Joanna Steidle, 50, grinned as she…
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Amsterdam bans cruise ships to limit visitors and curb pollution
Getty Images Amsterdam’s council has banned cruise ships from the city centre as the Dutch capital tries to limit visitor numbers and curb pollution. Politicians said the vessels were not in line with the city’s sustainable ambitions. It means the central cruise terminal on the River IJ near Amsterdam’s main train station will close. It…
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Paul Bernardo: Canadian serial killer to remain in lower security prison
Getty Images By Bernd Debusmann Jr BBC News Canada’s notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo will remain in a medium-security facility despite growing controversy over his confinement there. The decision to move him from a maximum-security prison was “sound” and followed all “applicable laws and policies”, a review has found. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino has…
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In Pictures: A city living under an active volcano
Antigua is Guatemala’s most popular destination – but the picturesque city sits on an active tectonic zone. Travel photographer Bella Falk captures a slice of life. Antigua, Guatemala, is a Unesco World Heritage city and the jewel in the country’s crown. Smaller, safer and much less gritty than the capital, Guatemala City, Antigua is renowned…
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Auto Show, Shakespeare highlight weekend of events
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out this list of events and activities around East Texas. Drive to Remember Auto Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd., Longview. The event benefits East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance. Vehicle registration: $25 per car; must be preregistered by…
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Famed US hacker Kevin Mitnick dies aged 59
Getty Images By Chloe Kim BBC News Kevin Mitnick, a reformed hacker who was once one of the FBI’s “most wanted” cybercriminals, has died at the age of 59. Mitnick spent five years in prison for computer and wire fraud following a two-year federal manhunt in the 1990s. But after his release in 2000 he…
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MeToo charges against celebrities shake Taiwan showbiz
Getty Images By Grace Tsoi & Benny Lu BBC World Service It has been five years since W says she was raped. She was an aspiring actress in Taiwan and her alleged attacker was a director. In shock and fearing a backlash, she says she did not report the alleged assault to the police at…
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Cambodia faces rigged election as Hun Sen extends total control
EPA By Frances Mao BBC News A few years ago, Cambodia’s ruler launched the most ruthless crackdown of his career to annihilate his opponents. Facing popular opposition, Hun Sen used the courts to dismantle the political party threatening his rule. Ranks of MPs were thrown out of parliament while the leaders were arrested. Having crushed…