They offer water and education to passersby

ALWAR – In a state parched for water and literacy, it’s a novel idea. The teachers of a government-run school in Alwar town offer to quench the thirst of passersby and then speak to them about enrolling their children.

The Pratap Senior Secondary School has opened a ‘piyao’ or water serving kiosk near the school premises … Read : They offer water and education to passersby.

Duke Energy says Indiana coal-gasification power plant’s cost rises to nearly $2.9 billion

Duke: New Ind. coal plant’s cost up to $2.9B

INDIANAPOLIS – Duke Energy said Friday that the cost of a coal-gasification power plant it is building in southwestern Indiana has risen to nearly $2.9 billion, or about twice the original estimate.
The details are part of Duke’s filing asking the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to allow it … Original source on Gaea Times at : Duke Energy says Indiana coal-gasification power plant’s cost rises to nearly $2.9 billion.

U of Minn., Metro Council reach tentative agreement on Central Corridor light rail line

Agreement reached on light rail line in Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The last hold up to preparations for Minnesota’s second light rail line fell away Friday when the University of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council reached a tentative agreement about sensitive research equipment.
The agreement would allow preparatory work, including building sidewalks, retaining walls and installing [..] Read the original article: here.

Army Corps finds unexpected WWI weapons buried near American University, halts digging in DC

Buried in a DC yard: WWI chemicals, weapons

WASHINGTON – A year ago, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers thought chances of finding any more chemical weapons in the front yard of a home in the nation’s capital were slim. So they removed an airtight protective structure from the World War I munitions cleanup site. Then, … Read : Army Corps finds unexpected WWI weapons buried near American University, halts digging in DC.

Public universities look toward federal government as another source to replace state dollars

Universities looking to federal gov’t for funds

SEATTLE – Public university presidents from across the nation are meeting this month to talk about replacing dwindling state support for their campuses with more dollars from the federal government.
Universities already get some federal funding – most notably for research – but University of Washington President Mark Emmert said …. Original source  : Public universities look toward federal government as another source to replace state dollars.

No money, no problem: Many libraries offer amnesty on fines; some eliminate overdue penalties

Many libraries offer readers ways to avoid fines

SALT LAKE CITY – Twelve-year-old Audrey Conner owed about $7 in fines to the Salt Lake City public library system, but the voracious reader was a little short.
It didn’t matter. Her nearby library branch had an alternative: Kids who can’t pay the fine can do the time. So … Read more »»».

Black fraternity declines to attend ceremony in response to Va. Confederate Month declaration

Va. gov’s office, black fraternity members to meet

RICHMOND, Va. – Members of a black fraternity at the College of William and Mary plan to meet with Gov. Bob McDonnell to discuss the contentious issue of Confederate History Month.
The Williamsburg college’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter cited McDonnell’s proclamation that April is Confederate History Month in declining …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Black fraternity declines to attend ceremony in response to Va. Confederate Month declaration.

Calif. nonprofit files lawsuit against university seeking documents related to Palin contract

Calif. nonprofit sues to obtain Palin contract

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A California open government group filed a lawsuit Friday against a state university over its refusal to disclose documents related to a planned speech by Sarah Palin.
Californians Aware filed the lawsuit in Stanislaus County Superior Court against California State University, Stanislaus, seeking an order by a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Calif. nonprofit files lawsuit against university seeking documents related to Palin contract.

Chandigarh student acquitted in Boston, seeks to sit in exam

CHANDIGARH – A Panjab University (PU) student, who was accused of molesting a British woman in the US but was acquitted of the charge by a Boston court, is planning to approach Punjab and Haryana High Court if the varsity does not allow him to sit for the examination.

Nitin Jindal, 22, a student of the … Read more : Chandigarh student acquitted in Boston, seeks to sit in exam.

Bills moved to regulate teachers’ education, amend RTE

NEW DELHI – Two bills were Friday introduced in the Rajya Sabha to regulate the quality of teachers and amend the Right to Education (RTE) Act to make it mentally-disabled friendly.

The first bill will seek to clarify the stand of the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993, on qualification of school teachers in the … Original article on : Bills moved to regulate teachers’ education, amend RTE.

Army Corps finds new WWI chemical site buried near American University, halts digging in DC

Army Corps finds new WWI chemical site in DC yard

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has uncovered what could be a fourth major disposal area for World War I-era munitions and chemical weapons in the nation’s capital.
Digging was suspended April 8 as a precaution at the site in the pricey Spring Valley neighborhood … Read more : Army Corps finds new WWI chemical site buried near American University, halts digging in DC.

Family claims district captured thousands of images in laptop spying scandal at Pa. school

Family: Pa. school snared 1,000s of webcam images

PHILADELPHIA – A suburban Philadelphia school district snapped secret webcam pictures of a high school student when he was partially undressed or sleeping in his bed, and captured instant messages he exchanged with friends, the student charged in court papers this week.
The Lower Merion School District concedes its … Original article on : Family claims district captured thousands of images in laptop spying scandal at Pa. school.