In a news release, the union praised Wu's decision to "decline to cross our picket line," but in a statement Wednesday, a spokesperson for the mayor framed the outcome as an unavoidable disappointment rather than a rallying cry for the striking workers. "The Mayor was honored to be invited to join the HLS Class Day celebrations and is deeply disappointed to not be able to attend. Since learning last week that there would be a picket line at the event, we made repeated efforts to reach a compromise with the union that would have enabled the Mayor's participation, but were ultimately unsuccessful," the spokesperson said.
AI is now woven into the fabric of education. According to a 2026 study from the Higher Education Policy Institute, "AI use is now almost universal," with 95% of students reporting use of AI in some capacity. The question is no longer whether AI will be used, but how we should teach in light of its ubiquity.
Anil Kochhar, a North Carolina State University donor, gave graduates of the school's Wilson College of Textiles a lot more than just words of wisdom when he delivered their keynote commencement address recently. The Indian American entrepreneur also announced that he would pay off any student loans taken out by the college's graduating pupils during their senior year. I hope that all of you leave today not only with a degree but with greater freedom to pursue your goals, take risks and build the lives that you've worked so hard to achieve, Kochhar said, prompting loud cheers, applause and a standing ovation from his audience.