New from EdNC

Anna Stein heightens role of state first lady as policy leader

by Mebane Rash | March 19, 2026

First spouses — and other political spouses — are rightly being studied in North Carolina, across the country, and around the world as the policy actors they are. Research in 2024 — “Not just the nation’s hostess: First Ladies as...

Inside North Carolina’s prison classrooms, where ‘knowledge is not only power, but freedom’

by Ben Humphries | March 19, 2026

North Carolina currently incarcerates about 32,000 people in its prisons. Of those held in state custody, 95% will go on to be released and return to their communities, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC). A functional,...

Perspective | The Trump administration has mostly dismantled the Department of Education. Should you care?

by Rick Hess | March 19, 2026

The Trump administration’s ultimate objective is semiclear. The ambition is unmistakable. Bold measures have yielded real changes. But where things get murkier is how this is going to play out, what might go wrong, and what it’ll all amount to...

NC STEM Center e-Update: Spring into STEM, Beginning NCToY, and Can you Dig It?

by Staff | March 19, 2026

Twice a month the NC STEM Center provides an e-update on what’s happening in STEM, and their latest edition is now available.

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The Editor’s Notes

Here is your playlist for the weekend courtesy of Jeff McDaris.

In good news, Nation Hahn is getting married today. Please join all of us at EdNC in sending him best wishes.

Need to know

• Education Department to shift student loan duties to Treasury

  Higher Ed DIVE | March 19, 2026

• Berger recount leaves Page’s narrow lead unchanged

  The Carolina Journal | March 19, 2026

• Over 60 groups signed a letter to top lawmakers raising concerns about a $16.95 billion dollar shortfall for Pell grant program in 2026 and 2027

  TICAS | March 19, 2026

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