America’s rural high school students are less likely to go to college than their urban and suburban peers. Students in the most sparsely populated regions often face obstacles to attending college, including having to travel far to get to campus, a lack of public transportation, and inconsistent broadband access that limits access to online courses and financial aid. Family dynamics also often factor in, including a lack of exposure to college because parents didn’t attend and an underlying doub

Before the National Toy Hall of Fame inducts a new class each fall, curators at the upstate New York attraction have to figure out how to showcase the honorees. It's not always easy. The hall aims to show how its toys have endured and evolved over the years, so it often displays older versions alongside newer ones. If they're lucky, curators might find vintage versions in the archives at the Strong National Museum of Play, which houses the hall. But for other toys, the search takes them to aucti

The 10 people shot and killed in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, were caregivers and protectors and helpers. Some were running an errand or doing a favor or finishing out a shift. One came from volunteering at a food bank. Another had been tending to her husband at his nursing home. Most were in their 50s and beyond, and were destined for more, even if just the dinner they planned to make. Their paths crossed with a young man driven by racism and hatred, and now their families are left to gr

The total solar eclipse expected on April 8 already is inspiring school lessons in science, literacy and culture. Some schools in or near the path of totality also are organizing group viewings for students to experience the awe of daytime darkness and learn about the astronomy behind it together. Dennis Schatz, a former president of the National Science Teaching Association, encourages educators to use the eclipse as “a teachable moment.” But the timing of the eclipse, around dismissal time for

Salman Rushdie has described in graphic detail the frenzied moments in 2022 when a masked man rushed at him on a stage in western New York and repeatedly slashed him with a knife, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. The 77-year-old author testified Tuesday at the trial of 27-year-old Hadi Matar, who has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault. It was the first time since the stabbing that Rushdie was in the same room as Matar. Rushdie says the attacker repeatedly hit and slash

The National Comedy Center has begun hosting regular "Memory Cafes,” inviting people with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's through the western New York museum to share laughs and connection. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates more than 7 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and an even higher number of people care for them. Memory cafes have emerged around the world as a way to connect and support individuals and caregivers. The National Comedy Center held its

As school starts, many parents face the decision of letting their children stay home alone after school. With after-school care often expensive and hard to find, parents aim for independence. But experts say age isn’t the only factor; readiness depends on skills and emotional maturity. Children should know emergency contacts, basic safety, and how to handle emergencies. Emotional readiness is also crucial, and communication within the family about expectations and rules is also key. Experts sugg

Reductions to federal support for research at universities and other institutions under President Donald Trump are dimming young scientists’ prospects, cutting off pathways to career-building projects and graduate programs. Universities are cutting back offers of admission for graduate students due to the uncertainty. Many universities also are freezing hiring. Admissions in some graduate programs have have been cut in half or paused altogether. The Trump administration has threatens to take awa

A federal judge has dismissed a Trump administration lawsuit against a western New York city challenging its practices as a "sanctuary city." Judge Frank Geraci ruled Thursday that the lawsuit became moot after the city of Rochester made changes to its policies. The Justice Department has a month to amend the lawsuit. The administration initially sued in April, claiming Rochester's practices violate the U.S. Constitution by preventing city employees from aiding federal immigration enforcement. T

Ely Samuel Parker, a Seneca leader and Civil War officer, has been posthumously admitted to the New York State Bar. The recognition comes 130 years after his death, following efforts by his descendants. Parker was denied admission in life because he was Native American and not seen as a U.S. citizen. On Friday, a ceremony in Buffalo honored his achievements. Parker was a key figure in U.S. history, serving in President Ulysses S. Grant’s cabinet as the first Native American commissioner of India

Tensions over the Israel-Hamas war have spilled into K-12 schools around the U.S., with advocates reporting a rise in antisemitism since the 2023 surprise attack on Israel. While some argue school leaders have failed to take the threat seriously, others warn criticism of Israel and the military campaign in Gaza are interpreted too often as hate speech. The Trump administration has not punished school systems the way it has hit colleges accused of tolerating antisemitism, but schools are still fa

The gooey, sticky and often-homemade plaything slime was enshrined into the National Toy Hall of Fame on Thursday along with perennial bestselling games Battleship and Trivial Pursuit. The Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, honors toys that inspire creative play across generations. Battleship and Trivial Pursuit have each sold over 100 million copies. Slime has been sold commercially since 1976 but is also a popular DIY project. The National Toy Hall of Fame is located inside The Strong Nation

New York Attorney General Letitia James is pushing back against the Trump administration's investigation of cases that she brought against the president and National Rifle Association. James, a Democrat, in August filed a motion seeking to block subpoenas issued by the acting U.S. attorney in Albany. She alleges the Justice Department's probe is retaliatory and that the acting U.S. attorney, John Sarcone, was improperly appointed to the position. The records in the court case have been filed und

New York City schools have sued federal education officials over the U.S. Education Department's decision to discontinue grants worth millions of dollars because of school policies supporting transgender students. City officials said Thursday that the Education Department, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, acted without the required notice or hearing. The department claims policies allowing transgender students to play sports and use facilities matching their gender identity violate Title IX. New

A decorated Marine veteran charged with carrying out a mass shooting on a North Carolina bar remains held without bail following an initial court appearance. Nigel Edge is charged with murder and other counts after authorities said he fired an assault rifle from a boat Saturday evening, killing three and injuring five at the American Fish Company in Southport. Police say he told officers that he was injured in combat and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. In court Monday, Edge requeste

The Trump administration says three major public school districts could lose $24 million in funding because of their policies supporting transgender students. The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights had given New York City, Chicago, and Fairfax County, Virginia, schools until Tuesday to agree to changes. Among them were rescinding policies allowing students access to restrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identity. The department says the rules violate Title IX, which p

The National Toy Hall of Fame has announced its 12 finalists for the Class of 2025. The contenders include tabletop favorites Battleship, Catan, Connect Four, Spirograph and Trivial Pursuit, as well as the scooter, slime, snow, cornhole and the Star Wars lightsaber. Furby and Tickle Me Elmo round out the finalists chosen from among the thousands of nominees the Rochester, New York, museum receives each year. The public can vote until Sept. 24, and the winners will be announced in November. The H

New York’s attorney general has proposed rules for social media companies as the state moves to implement a law shielding children from addictive feeds. The SAFE for Kids Act was passed last year. It prohibits algorithm-driven feeds for users under 18 without parental consent. The law also restricts notifications between midnight and 6 a.m. The proposed rules include standards for verifying a user’s age and obtaining parental consent. Supporters say addictive feeds contribute to a youth mental h