New America
Coverage of New America in the Nexus archive.
- These New Exams Will Test California 4-Year-Olds’ English Fluency With Playful Games
California schools have approved two new language screeners for 4-year-olds in transitional kindergarten to replace the ELPAC, which previously caused distress due to its focus on reading and writing. The new tests use playful methods like storytelling and picture-based activities to assess speaking and comprehension skills more appropriate for young children.
- Newsom Reverses on Long-Sought Paid Leave Benefit for Teachers in California
California Governor Gavin Newsom reversed his stance to support a new paid pregnancy leave program for public school and community college employees, providing up to 14 weeks of paid leave. Previously, he vetoed similar proposals in 2019 and 2024, but lawmakers now approved the policy as part of the state budget, citing improved financial conditions.
- Inside Vermont’s Decade-Long Effort to Change Childcare
Vermont passed Act 76 in May 2023 to improve early care and education through dedicated funding, livable wages for educators, and financial support for families. The law followed two decades of advocacy by Let’s Grow Kids, a nonprofit that sunsetted its operations in 2025 after a decade of work to ensure childcare accessibility and affordability.
- Chinese humanoid robots dominate the market with thousands shipped a year. But most are still performative rather than functional
Chinese humanoid robots are gaining market traction with capabilities like backflips and coffee-making, driven by government and private sector orders. However, experts note limited real-world functionality and demand lags behind production capacity, with China leading in manufacturing and the U.S. in AI development.
- A slow shift among Black voters is opening the door for Republicans
A generational shift is decoupling Black identity from Democratic Party loyalty, with President Trump making gains among Black voters despite controversies. Republican identification among Black Americans has increased, and Trump's approval rating among Black voters surged to near 20% in early 2025. This shift could make a difference in close elections.