education

China Expands Influence at U.N. Cultural Agency as U.S. Withdraws Under Trump

As the Trump administration exits UNESCO, China accelerates its influence in the U.N. cultural agency, reshaping global narratives around heritage, education, and geopolitics.

By Roy J. Miles

education

Columbia University Expels and Suspends Students Over Hamilton Hall Takeover

Columbia University has taken disciplinary action against students involved in the occupation of Hamilton Hall during pro-Palestinian demonstrations, expelling several and suspending others as tensions persist on campus.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

Political Pressures Mount as Virginia’s University Presidents Face Scrutiny

University leaders in Virginia are under growing political fire as debates over free speech, diversity policies, and the Israel-Hamas conflict provoke calls for accountability and resignations from key academic figures.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

Trump-Era Student Arrests Face Legal Challenge That May Redefine Protest Rights

A federal lawsuit challenges the legality of arrests made during campus protests against Donald Trump’s immigration policies, raising questions about free speech, racial discrimination, and the criminalization of dissent.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

Federal Judge Presses Trump Administration Over Threats to Harvard’s Funding

A federal judge questions the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke federal funding from Harvard University over its admissions policies, highlighting concerns about political interference and the rule of law.

By Roy J. Miles

education

As Harvard and Trump Head to Court, the Government Piles on the Pressure

The legal battle between Harvard University and the Trump-era federal government intensifies, as new filings and strategies emerge ahead of a landmark court hearing with major implications for civil rights and academic freedom.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

How a Floral Design Master Spends His Day With Roses and Rosé

An intimate look at a celebrated floral designer’s daily routine balancing meticulous rose arranging with moments of rosé and creativity, revealing the passion, artistry, and rituals behind a life in blooms.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

State Department Official Says Criticism of Israel Can Lead to Visa Revocations

A senior State Department official acknowledged that public criticism of Israel or U.S. policy may be considered grounds for revoking foreign students’ visas, raising constitutional and free‑speech concerns amid a Trump-era crackdown.

By Roy J. Miles

education

Education Department Launches Civil Rights Probe into DACA-Only Scholarships

The U.S. Education Department’s civil rights office is investigating five universities over scholarships exclusively for DACA or undocumented students, raising concerns over Title VI violations and higher‑ed equity policies under the Trump administration.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

State Department Opens Investigation Into Harvard’s Use of International Exchange Visas

The State Department has launched a formal probe into Harvard University’s eligibility as a sponsor of J‑1 exchange visitor visas, escalating the Trump administration’s targeting of the Ivy League amid claims of political retaliation and national security concerns.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

At the Edge of a Cliff, Some Colleges Are Teaming Up to Survive

Facing steep enrollment declines and financial strain, small colleges across the U.S. are increasingly pursuing mergers, partnerships, and shared services to avoid closure—and preserve students’ ability to continue degrees.

By Roy J. Miles

education

Community Schools Provide Far More Than Classroom Instruction

Community schools are transforming into neighborhood hubs that offer wraparound services—from health and nutrition to housing and family support—addressing broader student and community needs beyond academics.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

Tutoring Emerges as a Leading Strategy to Address Pandemic-Era Learning Loss

A growing body of research shows that high‑dosage, school‑based tutoring consistently outperforms other interventions in reversing pandemic learning setbacks—raising questions about scalability, funding, and equitable access.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

Schools and Families Confront Escalating Youth Mental Health Crisis

Educators and parents are grappling with soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues among children, as understaffed school mental health services and uneven home supports struggle to meet students’ needs.

By Roy J. Miles

education

Schools Embrace Team-Based Mental Health Models to Support Students

Districts nationwide are implementing interdisciplinary school mental health teams—bringing counselors, teachers, families, and community partners together—to deliver comprehensive support and improve student well‑being.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

Districts Turn to Higher Pay and Strategic Bonuses to Combat Teacher Shortages

To attract and retain teachers amid a nationwide staffing crisis, districts are offering substantial pay increases and targeted incentives, particularly for special education, STEM fields, and hard‑to‑staff schools.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

With Online Learning, Schools Pause to Reflect on What Worked—and What Didn’t

As educators evaluate pandemic-era teaching methods, a growing body of research offers insights into which online practices succeeded, which failed—and how to build a more effective hybrid learning future.

By Roy J. Miles

education

Trump Administration Targets Foreign University Funding Amid National Security Concerns

The Trump administration is ramping up scrutiny of foreign gifts, contracts, and exchanges at U.S. universities—leveraging executive authority, enforcement investigations, and funding threats to enforce transparency and limit foreign influence.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

Howard University Students Confront Surprise Tuition Bills Amid System Overhaul

Students at Howard University have taken to social media to decry unexpectedly large account balances appearing after the rollout of a new student finance platform, raising questions about billing transparency and institutional communication.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

Columbia University Strikes $200M Settlement to Restore Trump‑Era Federal Funding

Columbia agreed to pay more than $200 million to the Trump administration to reinstate suspended grants and resolve investigations into antisemitism and employment violations, while committing to broad institutional reforms.

By Roy J. Miles

education

Columbia University Disciplines Over 70 Students Following Pro‑Palestinian Library Protest

Columbia University imposed sanctions—including suspensions, expulsions, probation, and degree revocations—on more than 70 students involved in a pro‑Palestinian takeover of Butler Library, amid federal pressure and a high‑stakes settlement with the Trump administration.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

Trump Abruptly Unfreezes All of the Education Funds He Had Withheld

In a sudden policy reversal, former President Donald Trump has ordered the full release of previously frozen education funds, drawing reactions from across the political spectrum and igniting debate on federal control over state educational priorities.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

Texas Principal Emerges as Community Hero Amid Devastating Floods

A Texas principal’s courageous efforts during historic floods saved dozens of students and staff, but his work didn’t stop there. He now leads recovery efforts that extend beyond the school’s walls and into the heart of a battered community.

By Roy J. Miles

education

Head Start Grantees Scramble for Clarity on New Rule Barring Undocumented Children

Local Head Start providers across the U.S. face confusion and concern after the Trump administration abruptly reclassified the program, sparking a policy shift that excludes undocumented children and leaves grantees scrambling for guidance.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

Schools Are Vulnerable to Climate Disasters, Principals Mostly Unprepared

As extreme weather—wildfires, floods and heatwaves—shuts schools around the world, principals say they lack crisis leadership training and resources to respond effectively.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

How to Successfully Merge Schools: Key Practices for Community Buy‑In

Merging schools can improve equity, resource use, and student opportunities—but only when educators, parents, and communities are actively engaged and the transition is carefully managed.

By Roy J. Miles

education

District Dilemmas: Solutions for Common Challenges Facing School Leaders

District leaders across the nation face mounting challenges, from staffing shortages to budget constraints. Here's how superintendents and administrators are responding with innovation and resilience.

By Edwin V. Christopher

education

Tom Lehrer, Iconic Song Satirist and Mathematician, Dies at 97

Tom Lehrer, the renowned satirist and mathematician whose witty songs captivated generations, has passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind a unique legacy of humor, intellect, and social commentary.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

Columbia Genocide Scholar May Depart Over University’s New Antisemitism Definition

Genocide scholar Marianne Hirsch at Columbia University is considering resignation after the institution adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism—which she argues suppresses academic freedom and classroom dialogue.

By Lisa F. Keith

education

Parents Win Legal Reprieve for Religious Vaccine Exemptions in West Virginia County

A judge in Raleigh County has granted a preliminary injunction allowing three families to enroll their children in public school without required vaccinations, setting off legal and public health debate.

By Roy J. Miles

education

Trump Signs Executive Order to Clarify College Athletes' Employment Status Amid NIL Chaos

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to clarify the employment status of college athletes, aiming to establish national standards amid the complex and evolving NIL landscape.

By Edwin V. Christopher