Seattle teachers begin contract negotiations under cloud of $100 million shortfall Contract talks have started between Seattle Public Schools and its teachers’ union over two agreements that expire this summer. Ann Dornfeld
Will AI collapse the career ladder before new graduates can get on it? Economic uncertainty and the rise of artificial intelligence have many wondering whether the bottom rung of the white collar career ladder is about to drop out. Monica Nickelsburg
'The $100 million question.' How will Seattle Public Schools close its lingering deficit? The Seattle School Board is looking again at how to handle an anticipated $104 million budget shortfall. Ann Dornfeld
Judge blocks Trump administration from closing the Education Department The federal judge also told the administration to reinstate department employees who lost their jobs during the reduction-in-force announced in March. Nicole Cohen
Washington will offer special education to students longer under new law A new law triggered by a lawsuit will ensure public school students in Washington are offered special education instruction until they are 22 years old. Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard
Bill Gates pledges remaining fortune to Gates Foundation, which will close in 20 years Bill Gates says he will donate 99% of his remaining tech fortune to the Gates Foundation, which will now close in 2045, earlier than previously planned. Associated Press
Gender-inclusive policies spark federal investigation of Washington schools agency The U.S. Department of Education has opened a broad investigation of the Washington state superintendent’s office over its gender-inclusive schools policies. Sami West
Dozens of international students in Washington to have visas restored by Trump administration At least 50 international students in Washington and Oregon whose immigration status was abruptly removed from a federal database will have their standing restored. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Seattle Public Schools back in the hot seat for ineffective school choice waitlists Parents and educators are calling for better enrollment management at Seattle Public Schools, as new data suggests these practices — including a confusing waitlist system — have driven hundreds of families out of the district. Sami West
Proposal to keep trans athletes out of girls' sports fails in Washington state Washington state’s governing body for middle and high school athletics has rejected a proposal to limit participation in girls’ sports to students assigned female at birth. Sami West
