Sandy Hook students, teachers head back to school

National

Search for Hoffa mystery endures for decades

Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance almost 40 years ago has been the stuff of urban legend, prompting numerous theories about what happened to the former Teamsters leader.Today 3:22 am

Baked Alaska: Unusual heat wave hits the 49th state

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A heat wave hitting Alaska may not rival the blazing heat of Phoenix or Las Vegas, but to residents of the 49th state, the days of hot weather feel like a stifling oven – or a tropical paradise.Today 3:15 am

Teacher training gets poor marks

The vast majority of the 1,430 education programs that prepare the nation’s K-12 teachers are mediocre, according to a first-ever rating that immediately touched off a firestorm.Today 3:00 am

NEWTOWN, Conn. – Classes are starting Thursday at a repurposed school for students who survived a shooting rampage three weeks ago in Newtown.

Desks have been taken to the new building in nearby Monroe, Conn., along with backpacks and other belongings left behind in the chaos following the Dec. 14 shooting.

Families have been coming in to see the new school, and an open house is scheduled for Wednesday.

David Connors is the father of 8-year-old triplets who escaped unharmed. He said his children have suffered nightmares and jumped at noises.

Experts said it’s important for children to get back to a routine and for teachers and parents to offer sensitive reassurances.