Amy Nylen News Today

The awards ceremony is a part of the Whatcom County Library System's Open Book Festival.

Presidential candidates in New Hampshire may get the most attention but in fifth grade classrooms throughout the state, students are preparing to launch real-world campaigns of their own. They will first learn the ropes of state government and the elections process before nominating candidates to serve full-year terms in office. Jo Ann Robichaud, project coordinator for New Hampshires Kid Governor Project, said students learn how the government can help address issues they care about including...

As student loan payments resume after a three-year halt, experts offer advice on pursuing higher education without accumulating unnecessary debt. Brian Walsh, manager of financial planning for the online bank SoFi, emphasized the importance of careful financial management to keep college costs low amid rising interest rates and daily expenses. To achieve it, he suggested considering the earning potential of the desired degree and making informed decisions about where to pursue it. ...

Extreme candidates are running for school boards across Washington state, and if they win, opponents warned they could threaten the safety of some students. The far-right group Moms for Liberty has 10 chapters in Washington and has been influential in school board races across the country. Amy Nylen, vice president of the Ferndale Education Association, said the candidates running in her district are aligned with Moms for Liberty, although there is not a local chapter. ...

A group formed to oppose COVID-19 mask mandates is expanding its agenda to influence school board elections, and a national watchdog group believes another goal is defunding public education. The group "Moms for Liberty" launched in Florida in 2021 with a mission to "unify, educate and empower parents." With eight chapters in Texas, the organization also opposes LGBTQ-positive policies in schools and related materials in school libraries. Lisa Graves, execut...