41% of global companies could cut workforce in favor of AI by 2030: Report
Futuristic sci-fi movies have warned of technology taking over for decades. Now, that technology may actually be replacing humans — with 41% of companies worldwide planning to cut their workforce by 2030 in favor of artificial intelligence.
Out of the hundreds of large global companies surveyed for the report, 77% said they’re planning to reskill or upskill current employees to work better alongside AI.
So, how does one compete with a computer? Know thy enemy.
Postal service clerks, executive secretaries and payroll clerks are among the employees expected to see their numbers drop drastically in the next few years, whether due to the spread of AI, or other trends.
The report also found that, for the first time ever, graphic designers and legal secretaries’ jobs are among the fastest declining job roles. The report said this decline may be an example of AI’s “increasing capacity to complete knowledge work” — like creating original text, images and other content in response to prompts from users.
There are just some things a computer can’t do, however. The report predicts a significant increase in demand for jobs that call for a little human touch, like nursing and teaching.
New Jersey removes basic literacy test requirement for teachers amid shortage
New Jersey has eliminated the requirement for aspiring teachers to pass a basic skills test in reading, writing and math. The change, which took effect Jan. 1, is part of a new law aimed at addressing the state’s teacher shortage.
Under Act 1669, signed into law by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, the state has removed the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam. The assessment tested basic skills in reading, writing and math. The law is intended to streamline the teacher certification process and make it easier for more people to enter the profession.
The New Jersey Education Association supported the removal of the literacy test, calling it “a barrier” for aspiring teachers.
So teachers don’t need to know how to read in New Jersey?
Seems like that would make it challenging to teach kids how to read. https://t.co/xpkJo6swt1
However, the change has drawn some criticism online, including from Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who posted on X, “So teachers don’t need to know how to read in New Jersey? Seems like that would make it challenging to teach kids how to read.”
While the new law eliminates the basic literacy exam, aspiring teachers in New Jersey will still need to meet other qualifications, such as holding a bachelor’s degree and passing specialized tests in their subject areas.
New Jersey’s move is part of a broader trend across the country, as states adjust certification requirements in an effort to address teacher shortages. The U.S. is facing a deficit of nearly 600,000 teachers since the pandemic, according to The Hechinger Report. An additional 270,000 positions are currently filled by underqualified teachers, according to the advocacy group Teachers of Tomorrow.
The shortage is exacerbated by teacher burnout and turnover. A Gallup survey found teachers have the highest burnout rate among all industries.
Several other states have enacted similar measures to address the teacher shortage. California issued an emergency executive order allowing parents to become substitute teachers by meeting two requirements, having a degree in any field and passing a background check.
Washington, Texas and Pennsylvania also have emergency teacher certification protocols. Arizona passed a law allowing educators to begin teaching before graduating from college.
New York and North Carolina were among the first states to eliminate the literacy test for teachers. However, more than 40 states still require the exam New Jersey recently got rid of.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Education announced a five-year plan to improve teacher recruitment and retention. However, the future of that plan is uncertain, as President-elect Donald Trump has discussed ways to reform the education system, including dismantling the Department of Education.
More Americans plan to tip this holiday season, but amounts not going up
It’s that time of year again, when people plan to give those who go above and beyond a little something extra. According to a new report, in 2024, the holiday spirit of generosity is alive and well.
Every year, Bankrate looks at how people plan to tip workers across six sectors: housekeepers, child care providers, teachers, mail carriers, trash and recycling collectors and outdoor maintenance workers, like landscapers, gardeners and snow removers. They found that this year, people plan to tip the most to workers in sectors that include “people that we see and interact with regularly.”
Overall, this year’s median tip rates stayed the same compared to last year, but they did drop in two categories.
Bankrate found people plan to tip housekeepers and child care providers $50 dollars, teachers $25 and mail carriers $20. However, outdoor maintenance workers and trash and recycling collectors will get less than in 2023. Americans said they planned on tipping outdoor workers a median of $30 dollars this year, down from $37 last year. Additionally, trash and recycling collectors will see a $5 drop and can expect a median of $20.
However, more people plan to tip this year than the last four years. More than half of the survey’s respondents said they plan to tip their housekeepers, teachers and child care providers. The amount of people planning to tip trash and recycling collectors also went up, with 26% saying they would, compared to last year’s 20%.
Just like last year, about a third of people were tipping their mail carriers. But some outdoor maintenance workers won’t be getting a little holiday bonus this year, with the amount of people planning to tip them dropping by 1%.
Oregon school failed to report sex abuse since 2019, 2 teachers charged
Two teachers from St. Helens High School in Oregon were charged Tuesday, Nov. 12, with sexually abusing students. However, authorities said the school never reported these allegations to police even though the alleged abuse dates back to 2019.
Officials said the charges against Eric Stearns, 46, and Mark Collins, 64, involve the abuse of nine female students over four years, from 2019 to 2023.
The news has prompted protests, online petitions, and calls for the resignation of school leaders.
On Thursday, Nov. 14, Principal Katy Wagner was placed on administrative leave. School Board Chairman Ryan Scholl resigned the same day. School officials later placed Superintendent Scott Stockwell on leave the following day.
Jennifer L. Myrick, Stearns’ lawyer, has denied the charges. She claims the investigation unfairly conflated Stearns’ case with that of Collins and accusing authorities of mishandling the case. It’s unclear if Collins has legal representation.
In response to the allegations, Wagner sent an email to the school community on Sept. 14, acknowledging the concerns raised by the community. She emphasized the importance of trust between students and staff, but didn’t directly address the district’s failure to report the abuse.
Officials closed St. Helens High School after the allegations. Officials said staff are currently preparing for their return in a safer environment.
The abuse cases aren’t the first at the school. In 2019, a teacher, Kyle Wroblewski, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse, leading to a $3.5 million settlement with his victim.
St. Helens High School currently teaches nearly 1,000 students.
Arrests made in connection with $1M teacher cheating scheme in Texas
Texas authorities revealed that they have uncovered a massive teacher certification cheating ring. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Monday, Oct. 28, the arrests of several individuals in connection with an approximately $1 million alleged scheme involving hundreds of people taking false exams, and at least 200 teachers instructing students across the state with fraudulent credentials.
Ogg said on Monday, “Today, five people have been charged with two counts each of engaging in organized criminal activity, and all face first or third-degree felony charges that can carry sentences ranging from two years to life imprisonment.”
Three of the people charged with the alleged scheme worked at Houston Independent School District, including two assistant principals and a high school basketball coach.
Investigators said that the basketball coach was the ringleader and made around a million dollars, charging $2,500 for each certificate, and sometimes more.
Ogg revealed how the alleged crime took place during her press conference Monday, saying, “They are accused of running a fraudulent teacher certification testing scheme right here in Houston that utilized a test-taking proxy or teacher impersonator to take the test along with a corrupt testing proctor to allow the switch between the applicant and the proxy test-taker.”
She said alleged sexual predators even used their wrongfully gained employment within schools to commit crimes against children. Ogg revealed that at least two of the people who allegedly paid to have fake certifications were charged with indecency and online solicitation of a child.
Houston Independent School District said it was unaware of the scheme until shortly before the arrests and all employees implicated in the charges were placed on leave. The district added that it working in cooperation with the investigation, and that if any teachers working in the district are discovered to be part of the alleged scheme that they will be fired.
U of Mich. DEI investment sees Black enrollment down, harassment up: NYT
A program designed to promote inclusion on campus has been found to create division and conflict, according to a New York Times investigation. The University of Michigan has invested more than $250 million into the initiative in recent years.
The Times found that Black enrollment is stagnating at just 5%, while complaints of harassment have skyrocketed, raising questions about the effectiveness of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) division. Despite the school’s investment, Black student enrollment remains low compared to the 14% of Black residents in Michigan.
The university’s DEI office received more than 500 complaints last year related to race, gender and sexual misconduct, compared to 200 complaints in 2015. Campus surveys show that students and faculty report feeling less included, and the Times found that students are less likely to engage with peers from different racial, religious, or political backgrounds.
While institutions like MIT and Harvard have begun to reassess their DEI policies — such as removing requirements for diversity statements from new hires — the University of Michigan remains committed to these practices, including DEI statements from staff.
According to the Times, the DEI initiative faced its most significant test following the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas in Israel. The protests that erupted on campus led to an increase in harassment and discrimination complaints. A federal investigation found that Michigan inadequately addressed these complaints, particularly those involving allegations of antisemitism.
Father of school shooter knew of son’s school shooting obsession: Prosecutors
Prosecutors released new details about the teen accused of killing four people at a Georgia high school and what his father allegedly knew behind closed doors. Investigators said at a preliminary court hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 16, that Colin Gray was aware his son, Colt Gray, was obsessed with school shooters.
Prosecutors said Colt had a shrine with newspaper clippings above his home computer for the gunman of the Parkland school shooting.
Colt is accused of killing two teachers, two students and injuring nine others at Apalachee High School outside Atlanta on Sept. 4.
Police later found Colt’s notebook at the Gray home which was filled with drawings that showed stick figures with wounds. Next to the images it said, “Shoot the teacher first.”
Colin Gray was arrested for allegedly buying his son the AR-15 style rifle used in the shooting as a Christmas gift. Investigators say Colt hid that gun with a poster board on the school bus the day of the shooting.
Colin also allegedly continued to buy Colt accessories including a tactical vest and ammunition despite knowing his son was dealing with mental health issues.
Investigators also interviewed Colt’s mother. She said her son’s fascination with guns over the past year had gotten “very bad.”
Colt is charged as an adult with four felony counts of murder.
Colin is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.
The case will now go to a grand jury, where prosecutors will pursue formal indictments.
Harris, Trump turn to PA with 3 weeks to go until Election Day
With exactly three weeks until Election Day, both candidates have their sights set on Pennsylvania. And NASA has launched its ambitious plan to visit the largest planet in our solar system in hopes of making a new discovery. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.
Harris, Trump turn to PA with 3 weeks to go until Election Day
With just three weeks until Election Day, the 2024 presidential candidates are focusing on the key battleground states — and none may be as important as Pennsylvania and its 19 electoral votes. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took their message once again to the Keystone State on Monday, Oct. 14, each believing that if they win Pennsylvania, they will win the election.
Harris held a rally in the northwestern city of Erie, where Trump visited a few weeks ago. The vice president painted her opponent as a threat to American democracy, warning her supporters of what she calls the dangers of another Trump presidency.
“I believe so strongly that a second Trump term would be a huge risk for America and dangerous,” she said. “Donald Trump is increasingly unstable and unhinged, and he is out for unchecked power. That’s what he’s looking for.”
Harris also urged Pennsylvanians to get out to vote early as mail-in voting is now underway in the state.
Also Monday, former President Trump spoke during a town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. He touched on claims he’s a threat to democracy.
“When they talk about a threat to democracy, how about where they take a candidate who won fair and square, they throw them out and they put up a woman who failed, was the first one to drop out of a field of 22 and got no votes?” he said. “And this is the person we’re running against. And she is not a smart woman. That’s true. And we cannot — we’ve had that for four years. We’re not going to have it for another four years.”
Trump cut his town hall short after two attendees required medical attention, with both the former president and moderator South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem commenting on the heat in the venue. Trump then requested music be played for the remainder of the event.
Trump will be back in Georgia on Tuesday as the focus on the battleground states intensifies.
Along with rallies, the candidates are continuing their media tour to reach voters. The vice president will take part in a town hall Tuesday, Oct. 15, hosted by the radio program “The Breakfast Club” and then she will appear on Fox News on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
The group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a sit-in demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel’s war against Hamas. While none of the protesters got into the stock exchange, dozens did cross the security fence put in place by police.
A New York Police Department spokesperson said officers arrested 206 people.
Since the war in Gaza started just over a year ago, more than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed and almost the entire population has been displaced, according to Gaza health officials.
North Carolina man arrested for allegedly threatening FEMA workers
Investigators in North Carolina arrested and charged a man with threatening to harm FEMA workers who were helping parts of the state devastated by Hurricane Helene.
According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, William Parsons, 44, is charged with “going armed to the terror of the public” — a misdemeanor.
In a statement, the sheriff said while initial reports indicated there was a group of armed militia members threatening FEMA workers, they found Parsons acted alone. Officials said he did have a handgun and a rifle in his possession when arrested.
The arrest followed misinformation and disinformation being spread about FEMA in the wake of the natural disaster and caused FEMA to change the way it was working to help people impacted by Helene because of concerns over workers’ safety.
NASA launches mission to find signs of life on Jupiter moon
The mission, dubbed Europa Clipper, started its long journey to Jupiter’s fourth largest moon on Monday. It’s expected to enter the planet’s orbit in 2030 after a flight of 1.8 billion miles.
Pair of giant pandas set to arrive at the National Zoo
Eleven months after the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Said goodbye to its giant pandas, two new ones are on their way. The pair of giant pandas have officially left a research facility in China and are set to be flown to D.C., according to Chinese officials.
It’s not yet clear when they’ll arrive. The zoo’s website still says new pandas will be coming by the end of the year, however, on Monday, the Zoo did announce it will be closed Tuesday for the safety of the pandas and staff.
The return of panda diplomacy between China and the U.S. has already seen a pair delivered to the San Diego Zoo with another promised to San Francisco.
2,471-pound pumpkin wins world championship
A 2,471-pound pumpkin won the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off Monday in Half Moon Bay, California, south of San Francisco, defeating its closest competitor by six pounds.
University of Kansas professor suspended for ‘shoot them’ comments
A University of Kansas professor was suspended after making controversial remarks during a lecture. The comments about the 2024 election gained significant traction online.
“There are going to be some males in our society who will refuse to vote for a potential female president because they don’t think females are smart enough to be president,” Phillip Lowcock said. “We could line all those guys up and shoot them. They clearly don’t understand the way the world works.”
Lowcock, an athletics lecturer at the university, has been placed on administrative leave while the school investigates his comments regarding men who refuse to vote for female presidential candidates.
“The instructor offers his sincerest apologies and deeply regrets the situation,” the statement read. “His intent was to emphasize his advocacy for women’s rights and equality, and he recognizes he did a very poor job of doing so. The university has an established process for situations like this and will follow that process.”
Republican senators from Kansas reacted on X.
“This guy shouldn’t be within 100 yards of a university and I am calling for his swift termination,” Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said.
“There should never be a call for violence anytime or anywhere in the classroom,” Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said. “We must cool down the political rhetoric and be respectful and civil to each other, and that is especially true for someone charged with teaching our young people.”
Migrant surge causes strain on schools: Survey
A new survey revealed the impact the migrant surge in the United States has had on schools. Reuters polled 75 school districts across 23 states. A third of districts said the increase in migrant children had a significant impact leading to budget issues and language barriers.
Additionally, 42 districts said they had to hire more instructors to teach students how to speak English. Another 15 districts said they had difficulties communicating with parents without proper help from interpreters.
When it came to budgets, 17 districts said they requested additional state funds to help immigrant students.
According to immigration court records, more than half a million school-age migrant children have arrived in the U.S. since 2022.
Denver has seen a major increase in migrants enrolled at its schools. During the 2022 to 2023 school year, Denver Public Schools had 1,532 migrant students. In the 2023 to 2024 school year, there were 3,935 migrant students enrolled in classes.
Survey respondents were asked whether they feel they are trained to meet the needs of migrant students. A majority said they were either well trained or partially trained.
The survey results also revealed 11 respondents said the newcomers had enriched the school community and brought new perspectives that could help other students learn.
All children in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status, have a right to free public education. But, the federal government does not cover the educational services entirely.
