New York schools

School systems around the world are taking sharply different approaches to artificial intelligence in education. In New York, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has voiced support for vetoing AI use in schools, while Estonia is embracing the technology with enthusiasm in its classrooms. The contrast highlights how governments are struggling to set common rules on AI for students and teachers.

Yale School of the Environment published five key takeaways from its experts following Climate Week in New York City. The roundup distills what environmental scholars saw as the most significant themes and outcomes from the annual gathering, which brings together governments, businesses and advocates on climate action.

Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the sitcom 'Saved by the Bell,' has died at the age of 75, according to a New York Times report. Haskins portrayed the affable school principal across the show's original run and later spin-offs, becoming a familiar figure to a generation of viewers. Details about the cause of death and reactions from former co-stars were not included in the initial report.

The New York Civil Liberties Union reports that abstinence remains the primary message of sex education in most schools across the state, according to a report covered by the Times Union. The finding raises concerns among advocates that students are not receiving comprehensive instruction on contraception, consent, and sexual health.

A dispute over whether New York's Hasidic yeshivas provide adequate instruction in English, math, science and other secular subjects remains unresolved. The issue, which has drawn state investigations and community pushback, continues to pit education officials against yeshiva leaders and their supporters.

New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the United States, will prohibit students from using artificial intelligence tools through middle school starting this year. The move restricts access to chatbots and similar technology for younger pupils, making the district one of the most prominent to take a hard line on AI in classrooms as educators nationwide debate how to handle the technology.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed State Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to investigate allegations by a former Cornell University student that several men sexually assaulted her. The move puts the state's top law enforcement officer in charge of the inquiry into the Ivy League school, drawing close attention to how the case is handled.

A new middle school serving LGBTQ students is set to open in Brooklyn, making it one of the only publicly discussed schools of its kind in the United States. The plan has drawn attention in New York City education circles, with supporters calling it a safe space for vulnerable students and critics expected to debate public funding for identity-focused schooling.

Overnight sports talk radio is running through a busy slate: the Boston Red Sox were blown out by the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson, nicknamed Donnie Baseball, is being criticized for an old-school decision, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly shopping cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and the New York Giants may part ways with Odell Beckham Jr.

The New York Times has published a review of Min Jin Lee's new novel 'American Hagwon,' the acclaimed author's first book since 'Pachinko.' The novel examines education and ambition, drawing on the Korean term for a private cram school. Readers of literary fiction and fans of Lee's earlier work are following coverage of the new release and its critical reception.

The New York Times examines whether reducing academic pressure around grades could improve students' mental health. The question touches on a broader debate among educators and parents over how competitive schooling affects young people's wellbeing, and what alternatives might ease stress without lowering standards.

Massapequa defeated Garden City in a tense contest, snapping Garden City's nation-leading 68-game winning streak in New York high school sports. The result is a major upset locally, ending one of the longest active streaks in the country. Fans in the Long Island communities are reacting to the dramatic finish between the rivals.

The New York Times' Athletic examines which college players are climbing early rankings for the 2027 NFL Draft, highlighting transfers DJ McKinney and Drew Mestemaker among others. The piece points to the growing influence of the transfer portal on draft evaluations, as players who switched schools are increasingly emerging as top professional prospects.

New York station PIX11 has introduced 'PIX Parenting Plus', a news feature covering changes to New York City schools. The segment is aimed at helping parents understand what the school changes mean for their families, joining a wider conversation among NYC parents about shifting school policies and practices.

A New York Times opinion piece examines how middle school students are working to understand Joseph Stalin's dictatorship and its place in history. The piece, published under the outlet's history and education coverage, explores how young learners process the scale of Stalinist repression and what it reveals about how tyranny is taught today.

New York Assembly Member Mary Beth Fahy is preparing legislation to tackle chronic absenteeism in schools following the deaths in Mechanicville. The bill comes in response to concerns that missed school days may have played a role in the case. Details of the proposed legislation have not yet been released, and reaction from other state lawmakers remains limited so far.

Riverside Church in New York, Columbia University's Climate School and the Center for Earth Ethics opened Climate Week with an event featuring former Vice President Al Gore, focused on mobilizing public action on climate change. The gathering paired religious and academic institutions with political advocacy, emphasizing grassroots mobilization alongside policy work during the annual climate summit period.

A mental performance coach working in Major League Baseball has written about what his job actually involves and why his formal education left him unprepared for it. The piece describes the realities of supporting professional players' minds under pressure, and how the role differs from what training programs cover. It has been published by The New York Times.

Boston and New York City public school systems are moving in opposite directions on artificial intelligence in classrooms. Boston is embracing AI tools and training for teachers and students, while New York City has restricted access to AI chatbots like ChatGPT on school devices and networks. The contrasting policies highlight a wider national debate over how schools should handle rapidly evolving AI technology.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University seeking data related to the school's diversity practices in hiring. The case, reported by the New York Times, escalates federal scrutiny of how elite universities consider race and diversity in employment decisions. Observers are weighing what the suit signals for the future of diversity programs at American universities and workplaces.

The School of Visual Arts in New York is presenting an exhibition by Stephanie McGovern at its ContinuEd Project Space, a venue tied to the school's continuing education program. The show highlights work connected to SVA's adult and continuing-education community, giving students and alumni a public platform. Details about the artworks and exhibition dates have not been widely reported.