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Chicago Teachers Union wants $8.5 million dues hike to fund politics
“Has your brand become toxic?” This was a pointed question from WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley, posed to Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates in a recent interview. Her immediate response: “I don’t understand the question.” When pressed, Gates added, “The Chicago Teachers Union is not a political party, it is a labor union.” But internal union documents show CTU leadership is trying to skim $8.5 million more from teacher paychecks explicitly for politics, while trying to silence union members critical of Gates’ leadership. Under the proposed dues hike, Chicago teachers would see up to $800 more per year flow from their paychecks to union coffers. The union already takes in more than $40 million a year, mostly from dues. And it spends less than 18 cents of every dollar on teacher representation. The No. 1 reason for the proposed dues hike? Politics. “We must win a majority of the first 21 person fully elected school board in November,” reads the first point in CTU’s member FAQ document.1 This directly contradicts CTU’s promise to members about how leadership uses dues money. The official CTU handbook tells members that the union does not use dues money for politics, so if they are interested in funding political activity, they should consider voluntary donations to CTU’s political action committee. “Our dues are not used for political purposes,” according to the handbook. “So our PAC relies on extra contributions from our members to support progressive candidates and to impact elected officials at the city, county and state levels.” This kind of double-speak is one reason members are concerned about another constitutional change slipped into the dues hike vote, which will take place on May 20-21: an attempt to stop members from holding the union accountable. A proposed amendment to the union constitution tries to place limits on when members may bring a lawsuit against the union for violating members’ rights.2 This provision is clearly a response to members’ lawsuit against union leadership regarding Gates’ years-long refusal to publish audited financial statements. The judge in that case has repeatedly denied the union’s attempts to dismiss it. Teachers opposed to these changes have been circulating this flier, urging members to vote no. What will CTU members get in return for millions of dollars in additional dues? If the 2024 school board elections are any indication—not much. CTU leadership’s record on school board races may not inspire confidence among members. A Chicago Policy Center analysis of a dozen affiliated PACs found CTU spent nearly $2.9 million on school board races in 2024. Of that spending, more than $2.1 million (75%) went to losing candidates. And while CTU-backed candidates lost six of the nine competitive seats overall, they fared worse in their biggest-spending races, losing five of six contests in which the union and its affiliates put up more than $250,000 for their candidate. The Chicago school board elections take place Nov. 3.3 Is another $8.5 million enough to clean up a toxic reputation? Not likely. Update on federal tax credit scholarship: Last week, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she plans to opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program. If Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker follows suit, Illinois could unlock $1 billion in donor money statewide for both public- and private-school students. If Illinois does not opt in, that money will flow to other states. The Last Ward reported in February on how Illinois Democrats could unlock at least $100 million in new resources for Chicago public-school students by opting in. Update on the investigation into how Chicagoans learned about a meeting to hike their property taxes: The Last Ward reported in January on an absurd, taxpayer-funded investigation into how local media learned of a planned Chicago school board meeting to hike the district’s property tax levy. That investigation is now complete. Lawyers interviewed two dozen witnesses, and found nothing. Update on Illinois’ muni debt crisis: My colleague Joe Tabor last week published a must-read piece in Crain’s Chicago Business about how Illinois recently rejected south suburban Harvey’s request to be designated a “distressed city.” The saga shows why the state must implement a better structure to assist insolvent local governments, including allowing for the option to pursue debt relief via Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The Last Ward reported in October on how Harvey is tipping the first domino in Illinois’ municipal debt crisis. Mincing Rascals: I joined the Mincing Rascals podcast to discuss the SAFE-T Act, the millionaires tax, and more. My “green light” recommendation: Force Majeure (2014). 1 Notably, the No. 2 reason cited is “resources to fund a state-wide millionaires tax campaign in order to fully fund the state’s school funding formula.” The constitutional amendment necessary to implement a progressive income tax in Illinois recently died in the Illinois House, meaning this question would not appear on the ballot until 2028 at the earliest. 2 There is seemingly no single-subject rule for CTU constitutional amendments. So members only get one vote on the full package. One cannot vote “yes” on the dues hike and “no” on the restriction of members’ rights, for example. 3 Illinois law grants far too much power over local government to unelected officials like Gates. State lawmakers should fix that.
Detroit Lions UDFA: LB Erick Hunter injury report
Erick Hunter inked with the Detroit Lions as a UDFA. A look at the LB's injury history.
Cherry Point airshow brings business to Havelock
“Traffic normally is kind of busy. It hasn’t picked up as bad as it was last year,” Montgomery said.
Warner Bros Adds Denuvo to LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Right Before Launch
Right before launch, Warner Bros has updated the Store page of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight to add the Denuvo anti-tamper tech.
Edwin Arroyo homers twice | Reds prospect batting .331 at Louisville
Reds infield prospect Edwin Arroyo hit his sixth and seventh home runs of the season and raised his batting average to .331 for Triple-A Louisville.
Back in business: St. Johns County food truck park reopens after commission vote
A St. Johns County property owner who fought back against a county administrative ruling won, and the food truck vendors who depend on the space are back to work as of Friday.
Woman shares lifelong Lyme disease struggle as health officials urge tick awareness in Mid-Ohio Valley
Woman shares lifelong Lyme disease struggle as health officials urge tick awareness in Mid-Ohio Valley
Friday Bantering: Jays Notes
Happy Friday. The Jays are back home for a series against the Angels. It almost can’t be worse than the last series. I think the team has let Tropicana Field get into their heads. Maybe all the batters should move back in the batter’s box: Petriello talks about it here. There is talk about having […]
In The Lab: Checking In On Jose Altuve
Jose Altuve is an anomaly. What does this mean for his future?
UVM Health must cut expenses by $300 million in three years, independent liaison finds
It’s a goal that the hospital network agrees it needs to meet, in a marked shift toward cooperation.
Linux Kernel Dirty Frag LPE Exploit Enables Root Access Across Major Distributions
Dirty Frag exposes Linux systems to root escalation through chained kernel flaws, impacting Ubuntu, RHEL, Fedora, and others.
Detroit sports radio host Pat Caputo dies at 67 after battle with pancreatic cancer
Longtime Detroit sports radio host and columnist Pat Caputo has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 67.
Pirates starter Jared Jones solid in rehab assignment with Indianapolis
Jones moved up three levels following his first rehab start to pitch in Triple-A.
White House press secretary welcomes baby girl
Karoline Leavitt announced on social media Thursday that Viviana, or “Vivi,” joined her family on on May 1.
Mess Fest returns to Orlando Science Center May 9–10 with messy, hands-on physics
Mess Fest is back at Orlando Science Center May 9–10, and I got a media preview of the messy, hands-on fun (including 3 experiments outside). Expect washable paint, physics demos, and big reactions—plus it’s included with general admission (members get in free).
Absci Reports Business Updates and First Quarter 2026 Financial and Operating Results
Successfully dosed all four planned healthy volunteer SAD cohorts of ongoing ABS-201™ HEADLINE trial; well-tolerated with favorable emerging safety data Preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling from HEADLINE trial supports ABS-201's targeted dosing interval Initiated dosing of first MAD cohort of AGA participants of ongoing ABS-201™ HEADLINE trial Expanding prolactin program portfolio with addition of ABS-202 to internal pipeline VANCOUVER, Wash. and NEW YORK, May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A
Rivian eyes more EV variants as affordable R2 rollout begins
Rivian is signaling that its push into more affordable electric vehicles may extend well beyond the upcoming R2 SUV — a key development for the EV maker as it tries to broaden its appeal beyond luxury buyers.
Roanoke County highlights local small business, promotes National Small Business Week 2026
The Roanoke County Economic Development staff promoted National Small Business Week 2026 within the county and partnered up with Basil’s Farm Market & Gifts and the Greater Roanoke Small Business Development Center to highlight local small businesses.
Health coach, educator announces candidacy for mayor of Rochester
Jerrod Lucker, a certified health coach, musician, and educator, has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Rochester.
How a free city program helped San Antonio entrepreneur land shelf space at retail stores
San Antonio entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business don’t have to do it alone or spend a dime to get started.
This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - Former Jags linebacker helps athletes translate sports skills to business
Kent Justice talks with former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Akin Ayodele, now Gallagher’s market leader for South Florida, about the Gallagher Partnership Internship Program with the Jaguars—designed to help pro athletes translate what they’ve built in sports (resilience, preparation, competition, leadership) into post-playing careers, especially in consultative sales and risk management. Ayodele explains how the program works (typically in the offseason), what interns experience day-to-day inside Gallagher, and why he believes employers should value an athlete’s mindset even if the résumé doesn’t look “traditional.”
This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition - Former Jags linebacker helps athletes translate sports skills to business
Kent Justice talks with former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Akin Ayodele, now Gallagher’s market leader for South Florida, about the Gallagher Partnership Internship Program with the Jaguars—designed to help pro athletes translate what they’ve built in sports (resilience, preparation, competition, leadership) into post-playing careers, especially in consultative sales and risk management. Ayodele explains how the program works (typically in the offseason), what interns experience day-to-day inside Gallagher, and why he believes employers should value an athlete’s mindset even if the résumé doesn’t look “traditional.”
Brain health supplements are booming. Here’s what one longevity expert takes.
Only one has been shown in clinical trials to slow cognitive aging, by about two years. This is what the science says about which supplements work.
Spurs respond to Game 1 loss with beatdown of Timberwolves in Game 2
Victor Wembanyama and co. didn't play around in Game 2.
Inside the town Ozempic built
On a boat off Kalundborg harbor, Martin Høgh Sørensen steers while his wife, Karin, and friends Michael and Anne-Louise Eliasen tug and wind ropes to maneuver the sails.
H.S. sports for Wednesday, May 6
Highlights and scores from across the state
What’s the oldest business on Broadway? Hat shop has been a downtown staple for more than a century
Owner Abe Cortez said Paris Hatters was started by his father when he was just 16 years old. More than a century later, the family is still selling hats from Broadway.
‘Tragic loss of life’: Canton Township business stunned by deadly crash at market
A man is dead, a child is recovering, and a local business owner is coming to terms with it all after a truck crashed into the Canton City Market on Sheldon Road Wednesday morning.
Gas prices spike: Medical transport business feels added cost
Prices have risen 10 cents since yesterday and more than 30 cents over the past week. Compared to this time last year, gas prices are up by more than a dollar per gallon.
Valve commits to restocking its Steam Controller after it "ran out faster than we anticipated"
The resource for people who make and sell games.
Google's answer to Whoop could debut as soon as tomorrow
The new Fitbit Air could debut ahead of Google I/O with a minimalist design.
Schools are digging into the science of food
From health classes to indoor agricultural programs, educators are helping students forge nutritious connections in their eating habits.
🎧 Exciting Hull set to spice up the play-offs
The 72+ team reflect on what's gone right at Hull City this season to earn them a place in the play-offs.
Usher launches paid entertainment internship program ahead of Detroit tour stops
As he prepares for multiple shows in Detroit this summer, Usher is launching a new paid internship program to help young people break into the entertainment industry.
Usher launches paid entertainment internship program ahead of Detroit tour stops
As he prepares for multiple shows in Detroit this summer, Usher is launching a new paid internship program to help young people break into the entertainment industry.
Military Vets Finally Have a Launchpad for Their Business Dreams in SA
San Antonio is about to become the first city in the country to offer veterans — and their families — a direct path to owning their own business. District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears is behind a new Small Business Accelerator Program that connects vets with mentors, funding resources, and even a pitch competition — and it's already gotten the green light from the city. Army veteran Melanie McCoy knows firsthand how lonely and confusing starting a business can be without support. Now she's helping lead the charge with a new non-profit called Supply SA, designed so no vet has to figure it out alone. With 75% of San Antonio's economy powered by small businesses, this program could be a game-changer for the whole city. #VeteranOwned #SmallBusinessSA #SanAntonio #MilitaryEntrepreneur #VetBiz
Spring sports scores and highlights: May 5, 2026
Highlights feature the boys soccer game between Rocktown at Turner Ashby
Rising housing costs in Bexar County tied to growing public health crisis
As housing costs climb across Bexar County, data from Metro Health reveals families are increasingly forced to choose between housing and healthcare — a tradeoff now being linked to worsening physical and mental health outcomes.
City manager update: May 2026 -
Celebrating Small Business Month Small businesses are the heart of Vancouver’s economy, representing 95% of businesses in our community.
SUV crashes into Rutherford business leaving one hospitalized
A vehicle crashed into the building of a Rutherford businesses on the morning of May 5, which left the driver hospitalized.
San Antonio veterans getting direct pipeline to small business ownership through new city program
The City of San Antonio's Small Business Accelerator program involves partnering veterans with mentors and companies that can help with business models, financial management, marketing and securing capital.
How Metro Detroit nonprofit campaign supports mental health awareness
A local group is spreading a simple yet powerful message: you are not alone.
Georgia Democrats want voters to remember 2020 when they vote in 2026
The state Democratic Party has paid for a TV ad referencing Donald Trump's attempt to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler reveals James Gandolfini was a no-show at her first wedding with ‘no warning’
Jamie-Lynn Sigler revealed in her memoir, 'And So It Is...A Memoir of Acceptance,' that her 'Sopranos' costar James Gandolfini was a no-show to her first wedding.
Muscle Shoals leaders say sports complex will happen but details are limited
A community divided over whether it should be the home to a new sports complex.
Secret Service shoots man who fired at agents near Washington Monument
The US Secret Service says its officers shot an armed man Monday afternoon near the Washington Monument after he fired at agents and wounded a juvenile bystander.
Kansas State basketball adds depth with Nashville high school prospect
Kansas State basketball wanted another body for practices and got one with the addition of Nash Stark, an incoming freshman from Nashville.
San Antonio vendors affected by Painted Tree Boutiques closure face limited protections, expert says
Hundreds of small business owners are still trying to recover their inventory and their income after the sudden closure of Painted Tree Boutiques in April.
WNBA Slightly Raises Technical, Flagrant Foul Fines for 2026 Season
The league will also fine players for flopping.
Take-Two CEO Says Console Players Are Core Consumers for Rockstar
Take-Two's CEO has stated that console players are core consumers for Rockstar and GTA 6. Here are more details.
Hacked, robbed, then banned: Canton business owner’s meta AI nightmare
A Canton small-business owner says he was hacked twice, had $950 stolen from his account and was then permanently banned from Facebook — accused of one of the most horrific crimes imaginable. Meta, he says, has done nothing to fix it.
“You’re Judged by Serving the Core”: Take-Two Boss Talks Why GTA 6 Arrives on Consoles First and PC Second
Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick reveals why GTA 6 and Rockstar's big titles come to consoles before they arrive on PCs.
Inspire Vancouver grant program debuts with $6M for local arts, culture, heritage, and science -
The City of Vancouver is launching Inspire Vancouver, a new grant program designed to spark creativity and create more arts, culture, heritage, and
Built on grit: FOX Business crowns three ‘Made in America’ small business winners
A veteran-staffed construction firm, a souvenir shop owner and bourbon makers are crowned winners of the first FOX Business "Made in America" small business contest.
Eric André blows up John Cena's life — and teaches the 'ancient art of analingus' — in 'Little Brother' first look
John Cena and Eric André give an exclusive first look at their new comedy, 'Little Brother,' for EW's 2026 Summer Movie Preview. Also starring Christopher Meloni and Michelle Monaghan, the film hits theaters on June 26.
The Sedgwick says goodbye; Downtown Vancouver restaurant set to close Friday after five years
The Sedgwick will close its doors Friday after nearly five years of serving dishes “inspired by Chef Tim McCusker’s childhood, travels and life experiences,” according to the restaurant’s website.
Alisson Becker transfer news: Juventus make Liverpool goalkeeper a top target this summer
Pistons vs Magic preview: It’s time for Game 7
It’s do or die time. Game Vitals Where: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MIWhen: Sunday, May 3 at 3:30 PM ESTWatch: ABCOdds: Pistons (-8.5) Analysis Game 7, baby – IT’S TIIIME! Lineups Detroit Pistons (3-3): Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren Orlando Magic (3-3): Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Jamal Cain, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr Question of […]
UVA Health first in mid-Atlantic to implant new wireless pacemakers
No lead lines mean fewer complications and no need to take blood thinners
Milan vs. Juventus game draws criticism across Italy
The 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus on April 26, 2026, has drawn criticism in Italy for the defensive playing styles of both teams, resulting in an inevitable stalemate.Milan’s recent meeting wi...
Brewery, Baron’s, 7 Brew and BJ’s all making news this week
Kathy Jumper's regular real estate column highlights moves on both sides of Mobile Bay.
World Cup protests, prices and politics in focus at FIFA
As the World Cup 2026 approaches, protests in Vancouver, criticism of ticket prices and political tensions dominated FIFA discussions over costs, access and unity.
Yankees news: What to do with Anthony Volpe
Volpe/Caballero decision comes today; Cabby’s new power surge; Rice has conquered lefties (for now)
‘The reality, for better or worse’: Columbia comp sci students and faculty grapple with AI’s disruption of the field
‘The reality, for better or worse’: Columbia comp sci students and faculty grapple with AI’s disruption of the field ‘The reality, for better or worse’: Columbia comp sci students and faculty grapple with AI’s disruption of the field A field that once seemed like a direct path to stable, lucrative work is becoming less certain under AI, students and faculty told Spectator. By Ria Vasishtha and Arjun Menon May 3, 2026 Shanying Liu / Deputy Illustrations Editor Asia Genawi, SEAS ’29, first encountered artificial intelligence during her sophomore year at her high school in Indiana. Back in 2023, policies on AI varied widely—even within the same district—and some schools had no guidance at all. As Genawi began to see the effects of AI trickle into her classroom, she turned to guidance from her home state’s Department of Education, which she said she found “outdated and inaccessible.” Genawi spent the rest of her high school career dedicated to the issue, including writing a 15-page memo exploring varying AI policies across Indiana schools, which she sent to every Indiana state senator and representative whose contact information she was able to find. She later helped draft a bill that would have required public high schools to establish and share their own AI policies with students in an accessible format. But with so many other bills already awaiting referral, hers never made it to committee. When Genawi arrived at Columbia to study computer science, she found that the gaps she had spent years trying to address in Indiana had followed her there. Many students and professors were also grappling with what AI meant for the field. Across Columbia’s undergraduate schools, computer science has become the most popular major—accounting for around 11 percent of degrees awarded in Columbia College, 32 percent in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and 12 percent in the School of General Studies in 2024. While the number of computer science majors in SEAS grew from 166 to 173 during the 2024-25 academic year, the total number across the three schools fell around 4.5 percent from 393 to 375, driven by declines at Columbia College and General Studies. At Barnard, it has grown to become the second most popular major as of 2025, up from third the year prior. The number of degrees awarded have grown fivefold since 2016. Faculty members and students in the department told Spectator that the surge in the major’s popularity has been driven in large part by its apparent promise of a secure, well-paid career path. However, they noted that the recent rise of generative AI has compromised the sense of stability that once defined the field, even as interest in technical skills among students persists. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2024, out of 74 majors tracked, computer science had the fifth highest unemployment rate among majors at 7 percent, while computer engineering had the second highest at 7.8 percent. “Anecdotally, people are moving away from CS as a major,” Daniel Bauer, a senior lecturer in the computer science department, said. “They’re still taking some of our classes, right, because they think they need that, but they’re instead majoring in other things.” Bauer described a field that had shifted from what he called a “nerdy outlier discipline” to one that “everyone needs,” a sign that technical skills have become a baseline expectation across industries with the emergence of AI. “A lot of people thought, ‘Oh, it’s a guaranteed path to a stable income. You get a six-figure job right out of your undergrad,’” Bauer said. Now, companies may see AI as a way to reduce demand for entry-level programmers, especially in what he calls “code monkey jobs,” roles where a large number of employees are “just writing out code nine-to-five.” Chris Murphy, a senior lecturer in the computer science department, described the current moment as the convergence of two forces: the downturn of the job market and generative AI coming onto the scene. “Things kind of started to really pick up in 2014, 16,” he said, recalling the years after the weaker 2010 market. Murphy added that this was also a period where “students were getting more experience outside of class than they were inside of class” through internships, jobs, and side projects. Murphy suggested that the earlier momentum helped make computer science feel like both an academic program and a reliable pathway into work. That feeling is harder to sustain now as the industry reconfigures, which is a shift that students are seeing firsthand. Rebecca Yu, SEAS ’27, said that during a recent internship in Big Tech, she saw that “every single tech company was racing to integrate” large language models. She added that her manager said her intern class was the first to complete their assigned projects, which she attributed to the increased efficiency that comes with AI. Frank Liu, SEAS ’29, said that with AI lowering the barrier to coding, companies now expect everyone to write code. “A lot of companies outright say if you’re not using coding in your job, you might get fired for not being productive enough,” Liu said. Yu similarly expressed that students increasingly have to accept AI being a part of industry workflow, adding that many also “make use of it to maximize their productivity.” Richard Li, CC ’28, described a “franticness” among his peers as the pace of change accelerates. He explained how “some new tool” is released regularly, noting that tools rise and fall in prominence within weeks. He has come to believe that he doesn’t need to “match that speed all the time” and keep up with every development. Li has learned that AI tools allow him to “take a breath” and “get back into the loop much easier than before” when he needs to. While some companies specifically target Columbia when hiring, sending representatives to campus career fairs and recruiting large numbers from Columbia, a computer science degree cannot be treated as a static credential, Yu described. “You can’t just get your degree and stop learning after that. You have to always be learning,” Yu said. “That is something you basically have to expect for your job.” AI has not only affected students’ decisions to major in computer science, but also reshaped how the subject is taught. Across departments, faculty members no longer treat work done outside the classroom as a reliable measure of understanding, shifting instead toward in-person exams, quizzes, and attendance checks. While homework once made up as much as 60 to 70 percent of a student’s grade in computer science classes, Murphy said that breakdown has since flipped, with exams and quizzes now accounting for the majority. “The assumption—especially among pessimists—is that they’re using it to do their homework,” Murphy said. “They take the homework assignment. They put it into generative AI. Out comes the solution. Submit solution. The end.” Murphy said that faculty members ranged in their responses from fully prohibiting AI use to actively teaching students how to effectively work with AI. He said he shifted his approach this year after his teaching assistants called his belief that students weren’t using the technology “naïve,” and now permits students to use AI on assignments. His surveys of students in his introductory classes have told a more complicated story than the one so-called pessimists offer: Around 60 to 70 percent of students who reported using AI said they used it to have concepts explained to them, to clarify assignment instructions, to generate test cases, or to create practice questions. “Those are all ways that you might have had a tutor in the past to do that, and now you have this AI essentially as your tutor,” he said. Bauer has taken a different approach, teaching students how to use AI productively without sacrificing the core principles of the discipline. “People who are trained to actually use AI tools productively, while being in charge of designing the overall project, will be very much in demand in the next couple of years,” he said. Over the past year, a working group of computer science faculty has been redesigning the introductory and intermediate programming sequence to integrate generative AI as both a subject and a tool, representatives from SEAS wrote in a statement to Spectator. The effort is “coordinated” across the department, “not course-by-course,” with a systematic assessment of how AI integration is affecting student outcomes underway to shape the next round of changes. The goal, the department explained, is for students to be able to “read, verify, and reason about code, whether they or a model wrote it.” Tony Dear, senior lecturer in the computer science department, is piloting individualized AI feedback in a discrete mathematics course, while a machine learning course is also testing a Socratic AI dialogue system designed to “guide inquiry rather than supply answers,” the statement reads. Beyond individual courses, SEAS funded seven cross-departmental faculty projects in generative AI this past academic year, spanning biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and computer science, according to the statement. This phenomenon extends beyond the computer science department. SEAS’ new AI minor, which it announced in November 2025, reflects the University’s attempt to adapt. The minor is specifically designed for noncomputer science majors and aims to provide “essential AI knowledge” while emphasizing practical and responsible use across disciplines, according to the SEAS website. At the center of the minor is AI in Context, a course taught by a team of faculty from the departments of computer science, applied mathematics, philosophy, music, literature, and the Writing Center, the representatives told Spectator. Bauer described it as targeted at students who want to bring AI into fields like economics or biology, rather than as a path into software engineering itself. At the graduate level, SEAS announced a new Master of Science in artificial intelligence in February, with the inaugural cohort starting in the fall. While recognizing how AI has helped them navigate coursework, students also described its rise as isolating, even among members of the Application Development Initiative, one of Columbia’s largest computer science clubs. “As people start to ask AI for questions that they would normally ask students and members, it starts to isolate people” Li said. Alexa Kafka, BC ’27, echoed Li’s sentiment, pointing out that computer science has always been a collaborative discipline with code reviews and pull requests, even as AI makes independent work easier. Despite this, Kafka noted that she hasn’t been to office hours “in at least a year.” Bauer added that faculty are exploring long-term solutions to the assessment problem. “One of the things that we’re trying to do at the department or school level is to maybe move towards computerized testing facilities,” Bauer said, referring to ideas in the department to revitalize computer labs as an alternative to pen-and-paper exams. “We have to accept that this is the reality, for better or worse.” But more exams, students say, does not mean better learning, nor does it reflect how computer science is actually done. “Code is so variable and can be approached in so many directions, there’s never just going to be one correct answer. There can be multiple optimal solutions,” Kafka said. Students also expressed concern that the shift toward exam-heavy grading pulls focus away from the applied, project-based work that better reflects both discipline and industry expectations. ADI has tried to respond more quickly than the curriculum can. Through a vibe coding workshop this past semester, club members said they wanted to help students understand not just that AI exists, but how to use it deliberately. “Vibe coding” refers to the practice of prompting AI to write code for a task or project, and has become widespread enough that ADI felt the gap in formal instruction was worth addressing, according to Sophia Huang, BC ’29. The workshop introduced students to the concept of context engineering, which Shaina Sahu, SEAS ’27, described as not just writing a prompt, but optimizing “the rest of the relevant information that you would feed into the model.” Without that, students said that AI-generated code can fail at scale or introduce difficult-to-detect bugs. Genawi said the shift toward AI has changed what it means to be good at computer science. “I think the shift has kind of gone towards what can you create and what can you do, instead of, what do you know,” she said. Indeed, during ADI DevFest, its annual hackathon, Li said more teams are trying to complete their projects than in years past. While sign-ups have historically outpaced submissions, Li said this is beginning to change because teams “have a tool that completes the vision for them.” While many students see AI as an equalizer that lowers the barrier to entry for coding and technical work, Murphy said it also creates new equity concerns inside the classroom around who can afford stronger tools and who already knows how to use them. “The equity issues I worry about are students who have access to paid versions of things versus free versions of things,” he said. Although popular AI models like ChatGPT and Claude have free versions available, both have paid models that can reach over $100 per month, which output different qualities of code. Murphy also pointed to differences in prior exposure to AI literacy itself. “Students who go to high schools or K-12 education, where they’re taught AI literacy, prompt engineering, context engineering, they understand how to do this, as opposed to students who go to schools who don’t teach that,” he said. “Then they come in, and then they’re somehow expected to know how to use these tools.” For Genawi, those disparities begin long before students arrive on campus. “It’s very interesting to consider how lucky you were geographically,” she said. “To be born where you were is influencing your ability to get access to these spaces.” Students like Yu, though broadly apprehensive about the future of computer science, are not without hope. “I’m optimistic, because I think if you’re truly passionate about CS, there will definitely be a place in the field to do something you want to do,” she said. Senior Staff Writer Ria Vasishtha can be contacted at ria.vasishtha@columbiaspectator.com. Follow Spectator on X @ColumbiaSpec. Staff Writer Arjun Menon can be contacted at arjun.menon@columbiaspectator.com. Follow Spectator on X @ColumbiaSpec. Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter and like Spectator on Facebook. Produced with Spectate by Emily Ta
BYU Basketball Recruiting Notebook: The Big Man Search Continues
The calendar has flipped to May and BYU is still in pursuit of its starting center for next season. BYU has 12 players slotted in for next season’s roster, but the Cougs still have a gaping hole at center. Khadim Mboup and TCU transfer Adam Stewart are the only two players on the roster that […]
Families, experiments collide at UT San Antonio’s free Viva Science SA event
The University of Texas at San Antonio transformed its campus into a hands-on science playground Saturday as Viva Science SA brought experiments and families together.
FIFA World Congress in Vancouver, B.C., couldn’t shake politics
President Gianni Infantino botched a feel-good moment between Israeli, Palestinian soccer officials
As local politicians face threats, the cost of security sparks debate
From hardened SUVs to home upgrades, officeholders are going to new lengths to protect themselves. The question is: Who pays?
Mariners' Brendan Donovan set for Double-A rehab assignment
Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Arkansas on Monday, general manager Justin Hollander said. Donovan left Seattle's 5-0 loss to the Texas Rangers on April 17 with a left hip issue, and then was placed on the 10-day injured list three days later with a left groin muscle strain.
Trump says Iran conflict is ‘terminated’ as he hits congressional deadline
Trump’s statement came as the United States continues to enforce a naval blockade of Iran and as he declined to rule out additional strikes on the country.
Apple Stops Offering Mac Mini With 256GB of Storage, Starting Price Rises to $799
Apple this week stopped offering a 256GB storage option for the Mac mini worldwide. As a result, the desktop computer now has a higher starting price. In the U.S., for example, the Mac mini now starts at $799 with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, whereas it previously started at $599 with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Mac mini models with the M4 Pro chip already had a minimum of 512GB of storage, so there is no change to pricing for those configurations.
Stop eating these popular Aldi pizzas: New salmonella health alert issued
The USDA issued a public health alert for the affected products, urging customers to discard or return them.
What is an ‘Invisible Day?’ Psychologist explains the mental health benefits
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this month is about encouraging people to speak up and share their mental health stories.
Deandre Ayton: 'I'm on a whole different mission'
Lakers center Deandre Ayton has played mostly strong basketball so far in the team's playoff series against the Rockets.
The Trump Administration Casts Out the ‘Soul’ of MAHA
The withdrawal of Casey Means’s nomination for surgeon general is the latest blow to the movement.
Sheriff’s indictment adds to New Orleans’ year of political turmoil
Two major New Orleans elected leaders have now faced criminal charges in the same year, with outgoing Sheriff Susan Hutson’s indictment following former Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s federal case.
Medicare, Medicaid privileges officially end at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center
As of Thursday morning, Laurel Ridge officially was cut off from Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Patients using those forms of coverage will now have to seek treatment elsewhere.
“Xbox Mode is here”: Microsoft rolls out console-style experience on Windows 11, barely meeting its own deadline
Xbox Mode launches with support for aggregated game libraries, quick switching to desktop, and reduced background tasks to improve overall gaming performance.
City of Vancouver and Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber launch grant program for Fourth Plain businesses -
Fourth Plain For All investment area The City of Vancouver, in partnership with the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, has launched a new Small Business
Businesses applying for tariff refunds after Supreme Court ruling
Businesses across the United States are now racing to recover billions of dollars in tariffs after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled those tariffs, which had been imposed under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, were illegal.
House Passes Stalled Homeland Security Funding Bill, Ending Shutdown
Republicans were forced to use a special maneuver to steer around opposition in their own party and speed the measure to the floor, relying on Democrats to push it through.
Jesse Collins Entertainment To Produce Emmys, Again
Jesse Collins Entertainment has produced the Emmys for the last three years and NBC has signed it up for a fourth consecutive stint. The company is set to produce the 78th Emmy Awards on NBC and Peaco...
Pittsburgh major sports playoff skid continues
The city's major teams haven't advanced in the postseason since 2018.
This Week in Jacksonville - Business Edition: Riverfront key in $2.5B downtown developments
Kent Justice talks with Colin Tarbert, the new CEO of Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority, about what DIA actually does and what’s driving the current wave of downtown activity.
Dolphins' 2026 NFL draft plan impressed NFC executive
The Miami Dolphins added 13 players in the 2026 NFL draft, their largest class in almost 30 years. At least one exec was impressed by Miami's plan.
White & Case advises Pale Fire Capital on business combination of indoor cycling platform ROUVY with Zwift
Global law firm White & Case LLP advised Pale Fire Capital, a prominent Czech-based investment form, and founders including Petr Samek, on the disposal of ROUVY, a leading indoor cycling and virtual training platform built on real-world routes, to California-based private company and leading
2 UVA scientists elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The UVA researchers were elected for their work advancing understanding of disease and environmental challenges.
‘The energy behind these drugs has moved from the beatniks to biohackers’
Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
We research aging. Those at-home ‘biological age’ tests won’t work for you.
Tests promising to reveal your “biological age” are booming. But scientists say the results vary widely — and aren’t reliable enough to guide health decisions.
We research aging. Those at-home ‘biological age’ tests won’t work for you.
Tests promising to reveal your “biological age” are booming. But scientists say the results vary widely — and aren’t reliable enough to guide health decisions.
What is the chance of Alisson leaving this summer?
The future of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has been the subject of several questions sent in via our club Ask Me Anything form. When Arne Slot was asked last week about the possibility of Alisson leaving this summer, the Liverpool head coach did not guarantee he would stay. If the Brazilian, who has been linked with Juventus, was to leave, then it would mean Liverpool losing another experienced campaigner, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson already confirming their exits this summer.
Joel Embiid takes over, leads 76ers from 13 down in Game 5 to extend series vs. Celtics
The 76ers dominated the fourth quarter and silenced a stunned TD Garden crowd.
Vancouver celebrates Small Business Month in May -
On Monday, May 4, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will proclaim the month of May “Small Business Month” in Vancouver. The designation coincides with
Texas report finds rising mental health struggles among teen girls, few getting help
A new report is raising concerns about the mental health of teen girls across Texas, with experts warning that many are struggling in silence—and not getting the support they need. Research from the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas highlights a troubling trend: nearly 3 in 5 teen girls say they feel persistently sad or hopeless. Despite that, only a small percentage are receiving professional help.
A friend of the U.S. navigates the collision of sports and politics leading up to the World Cup
Anter Isaac, the head of Australia's soccer governing body, offered a wide-ranging perspective to The Inquirer ahead of FIFA's Congress gathering in Vancouver — the first in North America in a decade.
Impending layoffs at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center spark concerns about mental health care
Laurel Ridge Treatment Center announced that 648 employees would be laid off, effective June 26. Some are worried about the impact it will have on the availability of mental health treatment in San Antonio.