: News

Filed Under:

Fairfax VA School Head Wants Budget Cuts

Play associated audio

Fairfax County public schools Superintendent Jack Dale has proposed dramatic spending cuts for that counties education system. Analysts say the reductions would increase class sizes, cut freshman sports and likely eliminate popular elementary band and orchestra programs. The budget proposal unveiled Thursday would also cut summer school funding and foreign language instruction for elementary students. The school system is facing rising costs, growing enrollment and a $176 million dollar budget shortfall to maintain existing programs. At a news conference, the superintendant said the county's quality of life should determine the tax rate, not the other way around. Some parents and teachers have urged Dale to request full funding to maintain school programs. Elliott Francis reports.

NPR

Book News: Alice Munro, Author Of Pensive Short Stories, May Retire

Also: The Apple ebook trial wraps up; the unique horror of Kafka's stories; James Salter's woman troubles.
NPR

And The Winner Of The World Food Prize Is ... The Man From Monsanto

The prize is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture." And this year's winners include Monsanto executive Robert Fraley, a pioneer in genetically engineered crops. If there's a single person who personifies the company's controversial role in American agriculture, it's probably Fraley.
WAMU 88.5

Associate Of D.C. Businessman To Plead Guilty To Making Straw Political Donations

Lee Calhoun, a former associate of the D.C. businessman at the center of a wide-ranging investigation into D.C. corruption, is said to have made campaign contributions in the names of other people.

NPR

Will Video Ruin Instagram's Appeal?

The popular photo-sharing service is reportedly adding a video feature. But if the current user experience "ain't broke," should Facebook, Instagram's owner, fix it? Let's zoom through some possible fears about the new feature.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.