Mark Weber

1 week ago | crossville-chronicle.com | Mark Weber

The NAACP and an environmental group say they intend to sue Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI over concerns about air pollution generated by a supercomputer near predominantly Black communities in Memphis. The groups on Tuesday accused xAI of pushing ahead to operate gas turbines in violation of the Clean Air Act. The turbines release air pollution near predominantly Black communities.

2 months ago | journals.sagepub.com | Mark Weber |Bruce Baker

The closing of schools at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020 is arguably one of the most consequential events in the history of American education. A research consensus is emerging that finds that remote schooling during the 2020–2021 school year had a pronounced effect on the academic progress and mental health of students.

Mar 26, 2025 | njpp.org | Mark Weber

Every child deserves a high-quality education, and every teacher who dedicates their career to this mission deserves financial security in retirement. Yet, in New Jersey, new teachers are getting a raw deal. As the state struggles with a growing teacher shortage, one major barrier to recruitment and retention is compensation — not just salaries, but also retirement benefits.

Mar 20, 2025 | njpp.org | Mark Weber

Today, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to direct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin taking steps to close the U.S. Department of Education (USED). The executive order’s directive to “ensure the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely” would be impossible without full staffing and funding for the Department’s experts.

Mar 20, 2025 | njpp.org | Mark Weber

A strong education system is fundamental to opportunity, economic mobility, and the long-term success of our communities. The Trump Administration’s efforts to weaken or dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (USED) raise both legal and policy concerns. Only an act of Congress can dissolve the Department; until then, the President has an obligation to keep it staffed and fully functioning.