Durham Testimony, Mayan Discovery, and Goat Landscaping

Durham Testimony

Special Counsel John Durham testified before Congress yesterday, answering questions regarding his investigation of the origins of a 2016 FBI probe into Russian election meddling. The appearance is the culmination of a yearslong saga sparked by allegations of collusion with Russia by the incoming Trump administration during the 2016 presidential race.

Durham's recent report (read here) summarized an effort that began in 2019 and came in response to accusations the original FBI probe—which was known as "Crossfire Hurricane" and led to the Mueller Report—was politically motivated. Among other issues, critics argued the probe relied on the now-discredited Steele dossier, purporting to detail Trump's connections and activities in Russia. 

In both his testimony and final report, Durham leveled heavy criticism against the bureau, including that the agency lacked sufficient evidence to launch its probe and routinely ignored countervailing evidence. The investigation ultimately produced one conviction—former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith received 12 months probation for altering an email. 

Separately, the House censored Democrat Adam Schiff (D, CA-30) over accusations he made while the investigations were ongoing. 

Falling Test Scores

Math and reading test scores among US 13-year-olds declined significantly since 2019, according to figures released yesterday from the National Assessment of Education Progress, also known as the "Nation's Report Card." Observers claim pandemic school closures likely accelerated what was already a decadelong downward trend in basic academic benchmarks.

The test was administered to a representative sampling of roughly 8,700 students from 460 schools between October and December of last year. Average decline in scores was consistent across race, gender, and income level—averaging a nine-point drop in math and four-point drop in reading. The test is scored out of 500 points, with experts describing a change of 10 points as equal to a year of learning lost or gained. Researchers also noted student absenteeism as a contributing factor, which has doubled since 2020.

The latest report confirms similar results from other nationwide assessments of fourth and eighth graders over the last year. See the latest report card here.

Ancient Mayan City Discovered

Archaeologists have found an ancient Mayan city in the jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula in southern Mexico using aerial laser mapping technology. The previously unknown city of 123 acres includes pyramid-like structures measuring more than 50 feet in height, a ball court, stone columns, and three plazas. Archaeologists have named the city Ocomtún—the Mayan word for a stone column.

The research team found the site in an ecological reserve in the state of Campeche. Ceramics collected at the site suggest the area was inhabited between 600 and 800 CE, known as the late classic period. Researchers say the site likely declined between 800 to 1,000 CE as part of ideological and population changes that partly led to the civilization's ultimate collapse (see timeline).

Known for their mathematical and astronomical advancements, the Maya peaked from 250 to 900 CE and settled throughout southeast Mexico and parts of Central America, which comprise present-day Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Read about the ancient Maya here, or watch a short video here.

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