On this #ColumbusDay, I’m reminded of the courage it takes to venture into the unknown. Centuries after explorers crossed uncharted oceans, our Apollo 11 crew set out across the vastness of space to reach the Moon. Discovery—whether by sea or by rocket—has always defined the

Pope Leo isn't backing down on opposing the death penalty.

Make DC a State. Pass it on.

Some 200 DCPS teachers who took jobs under the expectation that the district would sponsor a green card are facing uncertain futures. The D.C. Council set aside additional funds for the program but DCPS says it won’t spend the money, @maustermuhle writes:

D.C.'s chief financial officer has elevated the city's recession risk over the next 12 months from "mild" to "moderate" — and that's not even taking into account the impact of a prolonged government shutdown.

We have a Chancellor who acts as though he is unaccountable to anyone, including @councilofdc. He will always double-down even if it is obvious DCPS is at fault, and it doesn’t matter what children, families, or educators are harmed in the process. (2/2)

New leadership is needed at @dcpublicschools. There have been impressive achievement gains at DCPS thanks to amazing principals, teachers & school staff. But actions like this ⬇️, forcing children to skip kindergarten, & a culture of retaliation is tarnishing that success. (1/2)

DCPS reneged on its promise to help hundreds of international teachers secure a green card. Many may now be forced to leave the country. Read the full story from @maustermuhle

Have questions about the My School DC process? Our team is here to guide you step-by-step through the lottery. Call our hotline at (202) 888-6336 and get the answers you need.

Team of 4 82 out of 287 teams Prelim D - 15/80; 1:37:48 for two 1,000s Final - 82/107; 2:10:52 for two 1,000s (6/6)

Pairs (with Jane) 51 out of 651 pairs Prelim C - 29/157; 37:20 for 500 pieces Semi 2 - 25/174; 33:49 for 500 pieces Final - 51/100; 1:18:46 for 1,000 pieces (5/6)

Here’s my full results: Individual/Solo 154 out of 995 competitors 7th fastest 45+ “Senior” Prelim B - 26/167; 38:29 for 500 pieces Semi 1 - 55/176; 47:08 for 500 pieces Final - 154/179; 1:04:50 for 500 pieces (4/6)

Everyone was so nice…our awesome teammates on Team USA, all the speed puzzlers from the other countries, and the wonderful people in Valladolid. Special thanks to Jane, Alex, and Sally for competing with me. (3/6)

My goal was to make the final in one of the 3 divisions, and I was so fortunate to be one of only 16 Americans to make finals in all 3 divisions. I was also the 7th fastest 45+ “senior” in the world (& 2nd fastest “senior” American), although I’d prefer the term “Classics”. (2/6)

That’s a wrap from the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship in Valladolid, Spain. 🇪🇸 🧩. It was a once in a lifetime experience getting to represent my country competing for Team USA against the fastest jigsaw puzzlers from around the world. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸(1/6)

Even though Lindsay couldn’t join me, the Quackers uniform shirt had to make an appearance in Valladolid. Thanks to Krystal Cotriss for capturing our finish on the livestream. 🌸🧩🇺🇸 (3/3)

So, Jane and I paired up to represent the USA. We were 29th in our preliminary heat with a time of 37:20 and then finished 25th in the semifinal heat with a time of 33:29 to become one of nine American pairs duos to qualify for the 100-pair world championship on Saturday. (2/3)

Day 3 of the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship was pairs day. My Cherry Blossom Challenger teammate, Jane Stine and I were without our usual pairs partners, Lindsay Wang (the other half of Quackers) and Jenna Wyly, neither of whom could make the trip to Spain. (1/3)

At Day 2 of the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship I was 55th of 176 competitors in my semi-final & advanced to the 180-person world championship on Saturday with 15 other Americans. My “DC Statehood Now” t-shirt & table assignment number can’t be a coincidence & brought luck. 🧩🇺🇸

We have now lost herd immunity. Decades of scientific progress and advocacy undone because of misinformation and willful neglect.