US digs out from monster storm as death toll passes 50

14 Sept 19:31 Key points summarised by AI

A "monster storm" claimed over 50 lives across the US, with western New York's Erie County, particularly Buffalo, being the epicenter, experiencing chest-deep snow and extensive power outages.
The severe conditions trapped numerous individuals in vehicles and homes for days, hindering rescue efforts and leading to tragic fatalities, as emergency services struggled to access affected areas.
The "blizzard of the century" caused widespread chaos, including nearly 20,000 flight cancellations nationwide, with Southwest Airlines facing government scrutiny, and prompted President Biden to declare an emergency for New York state.
Buffalo residents faced a driving ban, airport closures, and even looting, as the region grappled with the aftermath, though warmer temperatures are expected, bringing concerns of potential minor flooding.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Today 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.