Miami school district drops most year-end exams

The Miami school district said on Thursday it was eliminating most end-of-course exams, including all those for elementary school students, the latest blow to standardized testing in the state.

Is Google app putting police in danger?

For the fifth year in a row in 2014, ambush attacks on police officers were the No. 1 cause of felonious deaths of law enforcement officers in the line of duty.

First Look: ‘The Water Diviner’

Russell Crowe isn’t winning many accolades for his first effort behind the camera, but critics seem to like his performance in front of it.

Assembly panel hears support for gun law reform bill

A Republican-backed bill that would make sweeping changes to Nevada gun laws received a generally favorable reception Thursday in an Assembly committee after it was amended and passed by the state Senate.

Locals Only: Exotic animals headed to Zappos

Besides the chance to see — or hold, with the purchase of a VIP ticket — more than 60 animals, Roos-n-More Wild Animal Adventures also will include carnival rides, games, activities, a jump zone for kids and a live animal show.

Celebrities pick their favorite to win in Mayweather v. Pacquiao

The much-hyped megafight between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is just 9 days away and the biggest names in sports and entertainment are taking sides.

 
‘Editing’ of human embryos ignites ethical furor

Biologists in China reported carrying out the first experiment to alter the DNA of human embryos, igniting an outcry from scientists who warn against altering the human genome in a way that could last for generations.

 
5 Ga. nursing students die in multivehicle highway crash

Five Georgia nursing students died on their way to a training session in a seven-vehicle crash that also left three people injured, including two other nursing students, authorities said on Thursday.

 
SkyWest doesn’t know why passengers lost consciousness

A day after three passengers lost consciousness on a commercial plane traveling from Chicago to Hartford, Connecticut, airline officials remained unclear on what had caused the travelers to pass out.

Utah prisoner dies when dialysis technician misses shift

A Utah prisoner requiring dialysis died after the technician scheduled to treat him failed to report for work, the state’s healthcare authorities said on Wednesday.

Alarm broken more than a year in elder Bush’s Houston home

President George H.W. Bush’s Houston home was not protected by a working alarm system for at least 13 months, according to an investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security.

Las Vegas slips to No. 2 for underwater homes

A Wednesday report from California real estate research firm RealtyTrac showed Las Vegas slipping to No. 2 in the nation for its share of underwater homes, or homes worth less than the mortgage owed on them.

A high IQ could make you depressed, research shows

Brainiacs, beware. Having the kind of active brain associated with high intelligence may also lead to stress and anxiety, according to recent research.

13 countries with the most amount of religious freedom

A new study from the Pew Research Center unveiled the countries across the world with the most religious freedom, and found that Brazil leads the way.

 
Lynch confirmed as Obama’s new AG

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Loretta Lynch to become President Barack Obama’s next attorney general.

Creditors of bankrupt Caesars unit oppose longer exclusivity period

Creditors of the bankrupt operating unit of Caesars Entertainment Corp. said they wanted to stop the casino company from extending the period when it has exclusive control of its Chapter 11 reorganization so other plans could be proposed.

 
Thomas & Mack transforms for FEI World Cup — VIDEO

If you are wondering what goes into transforming the Thomas & Mack Center from home of the UNLV Rebels to home of the 2015 FEI World Cup dressage and show horse jumping finals, here’s a time-lapse video of the process.