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26th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Humanoid robot joins First Lady at White House to showcase future of AI teaching

On Wednesday, a humanoid robot named “Figure 03” accompanied Melania Trump at Fostering the Future Together, a White House summit focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The robot, developed by Sillicon Valley startup Figure AI, greeted attendees in 11 languages and was described as the first American-made humanoid guest at the White House. The First Lady used the event to advocate for greater integration of AI into classrooms, outlining a future in which humanoid teachers could deliver personalized lessons tailored to students’ learning pace and emotional state, while instantly accessing a wide range of academic subjects. Trump additionally emphasized that embracing AI in education could strengthen long-term U.S. economic leadership, while also acknowledging potential risks associated with technology use, including concerns around screen time and child development. The summit, attended by a number of international first spouses, including Brigitte Macron of France, highlighted the need for collaboration between governments, technology companies, and capital markets to scale AI-driven innovation.

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SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Broader gains seen in schools supporting LGBTQ inclusion

Research indicates that an inclusive environment for LGBTQ teenagers positively impacts all students in high school. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that cisgender students, those whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth, experience enhanced social well-being when attending schools that promote openness toward LGBTQ peers. Lead researcher Robert Klein, a doctoral candidate in psychology at Cornell University, said: "There seems to be this exposure effect that as people are around these identities more, they become more positively oriented toward them." The study surveyed 287 cisgender heterosexual teens across 38 schools in Michigan, revealing that increased exposure to LGBTQ issues fosters greater acceptance and social connection among all students. The findings align with Klein's previous research, which highlighted the importance of self-esteem in reducing anxiety among LGBTQ teens. The studies collectively advocate for fostering affirming environments in schools to benefit all students.

LEGAL

Social media companies hit with $3m ruling over addiction claims

A California jury has found Meta and Google liable for the mental health issues of a woman who used social media excessively as a child, awarding her $3m in damages. The jury determined that Meta is responsible for 70% of the amount. The verdict marks a significant moment, as it is one of the first instances where tech companies are held accountable for the impact of their platforms on youth mental health. The trial revealed internal documents showing the companies' strategies to attract young users. Meta and Google plan to appeal the decision.

Schools take on social platforms

A summer multidistrict trial in Oakland will test whether school districts can hold social media companies responsible for harms tied to student use, with plaintiffs arguing the platforms foster addiction in ways similar to opioids. Attorney Jayne Conroy said, “These companies knew about the risks,” alleging they prioritized advertiser profits over children’s safety. The companies dispute that social media is addictive or proven to cause mental health harm, setting up a long legal fight shaped by competing views of science, responsibility, and regulation.

DISTRICTS

Milwaukee Public Schools cuts 201 jobs

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has announced the layoff of 201 employees as part of a budget reduction plan approved by the Milwaukee School Board earlier this month. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius stated that the cuts are expected to save the district approximately $30m, which is necessary to address a $46m deficit and other budget priorities, including lowering class sizes. The layoffs primarily affect assistant principals and deans, with 59 assistant principals and nine deans among those impacted. Cassellius emphasized the need for these changes, adding: "As you engage students around instruction, and good instruction, students then are less likely to engage in behaviors that are off task." Employees affected by the layoffs will have opportunities to apply for other vacant positions within the district starting April 1.

FINANCE

Florida district asks voters to renew tax measure boosting school staff pay

Officials in Pasco County, Florida, have approved a November ballot measure asking voters to renew a local property tax that funds higher pay for teachers and school staff, aiming to maintain competitive salaries and reduce vacancies. District leaders said the tax, first approved in 2022, has helped significantly lower job openings and improve recruitment, but warned that failure to renew it could result in a roughly 12% pay cut for employees and weaken the district’s ability to compete with neighboring counties. County commissioners unanimously supported placing the measure on the ballot, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong schools and aligning with other Florida districts that are also seeking voter backing for additional education funding.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Debate intensifies over $5m Idaho special education fund

Idaho lawmakers are advancing a bill to create a $5m fund to help school districts cover high-cost special education services, while debating whether certain responsibilities, such as nursing care or therapy, should fall under education or health agencies. The proposal would reimburse districts for individual student costs exceeding $30,000, but comes amid a broader funding shortfall of more than $100m and longstanding gaps in federal support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Supporters argue the measure is a necessary step to ensure students with disabilities receive legally mandated access to education, highlighting how specialized services enable long-term academic and life outcomes. However, some legislators raised concerns about schools taking on roles they view as medical in nature, warning of strain on resources and impacts on other students, while education officials and advocates countered that such services are integral, not optional, to providing equitable access to public education.

EMPLOYMENT

Illinois school staff rally for summer unemployment benefits

Hundreds of Illinois educational support staff have rallied in support of proposed legislation that would grant them unemployment benefits during summer months when schools are not in session, addressing gaps in income for workers such as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, janitors, and cafeteria staff. The proposed Unemployment Equity Act, introduced in both the House and Senate, aims to extend benefits to non-salaried school employees who typically work ten months a year, with supporters highlighting financial hardship during unpaid periods. Lawmakers estimate the program could cost between $50m and $150m annually, funded by school districts, as the bill advances through the legislative process.

LEGISLATION

Proposed Tennessee law would require immigration verification for all public school students

Tennessee lawmakers are advancing a controversial bill that would require public schools to collect and report immigration status information for all students, potentially transforming enrollment requirements and increasing administrative burdens on districts. Under the House version, families would need to provide documentation proving citizenship or legal status, although students would still be allowed to attend school regardless of status. Schools would be required to report aggregated data to the state, including categories such as citizenship status, visa holders, and students lacking sufficient documentation, without sharing personal identifiers. A separate Senate version goes further, proposing that schools could charge tuition or deny enrollment to students unable to prove lawful status, raising concerns about the potential loss of over $1.1 billion in federal funding and legal challenges tied to longstanding Supreme Court precedent guaranteeing access to public education. The legislation could significantly expand documentation requirements for families, similar to processes used in other state programs, while imposing an estimated $55m first-year cost on schools.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Teamsters back strike action by First Student drivers over benefits dispute

School bus workers at First Student have voted by an 88% margin to authorize strike action, covering around 17,000 employees represented by 96 Teamsters bargaining units, after negotiations over a new national contract broke down ahead of its March 31 expiry. The union said the dispute is focused on core employment terms, including access to health care and retirement benefits for all workers, as well as minimum guaranteed hours and paid time off, accusing the company of attempting to cut costs by limiting benefits. Workers indicated they do not want to strike but are prepared to do so if a fair agreement is not reached, while union leadership emphasized the vote demonstrates strong support for industrial action if negotiations fail to progress.

ABSENTEEISM

Early outreach boosts attendance

School districts using early, frequent, and positive family outreach saw chronic absenteeism fall from 22.4% to about 19% across the first 90 days over three school years, a 3.46-point drop equal to 27,000 fewer chronically absent students. The strongest gains came in pre-K, kindergarten, and among low-income students. Kara Stern, director of education for SchoolStatus, said: “We’re seeing that we can tell by a certain point in the school year—early in the school year—who’s going to be chronically absent,” underscoring the value of acting before attendance problems become entrenched.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Universities under pressure to remove Epstein-linked donor names

Students, faculty, and alumni at several U.S. universities, including Harvard and Ohio State, are calling for the removal of building names linked to wealthy donors who had associations with Jeffrey Epstein, arguing that such honors conflict with institutional values and may cause harm to campus communities. The push follows the release of new government documents detailing Epstein’s network, prompting renewed scrutiny of figures such as Leslie Wexner, Howard Lutnick, and Steve Tisch, whose names appear on prominent campus buildings despite not being accused of crimes. So far, universities have not removed any names, citing formal review processes, legal agreements tied to donations, and potential financial implications, including the possibility of returning large gifts or facing litigation. Institutions are instead reviewing requests through committees and governance structures, reflecting the tension between reputational concerns, donor relationships, and historical legacy as campuses debate where to draw the line on honoring controversial figures.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario minister warns schools to avoid 'divisive' content at graduations,

Ontario education minister Paul Calandra has directed school boards and educators to ensure upcoming graduation ceremonies remain strictly focused on celebrating student achievement and avoid any political messaging or “divisive or contentious issues,” according to an internal memo. The directive warns that failure to comply could pose risks to student well-being and signals the minister is prepared to use powers under the Education Act to enforce compliance, including holding staff to the same behavioral standards expected of students. The memo follows past controversies, including an incident in which a student was barred from attending graduation after planning pro-Palestinian remarks, and comes amid heightened political sensitivity around student activism. While the minister’s office declined to elaborate, the guidance reflects a broader push to limit political expression in school settings. Students and education stakeholders have criticized the directive, arguing it could suppress free expression and cultural identity.
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