Catching Up: Grey Goo, News Deserts, and Our Predictions for 2026

On this episode of Catching Up, hosts Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia dive into key topics shaping education in 2026. From the rise of AI in classrooms and concerns about its regulation to a deep dive into the potential of scholastic journalism as a tool for real-world learning, they explore how education can foster connection, critical thinking, and creativity. The duo also shares their top 10 predictions for 2026, including insights on media literacy, work-based learning, and the future of education funding. Tune in for thought-provoking ideas, actionable insights, and even a little inspiration on building forts as adults!

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:17) AI Pessimism & Trends
• (05:44) Scholastic Journalism Deep Dive
• (10:48) Top 10 Predictions for 2026
• (22:28) School Choice & Funding
• (29:30) Science of Reading & Work-Based Learning
• (45:28) What's That Song?

Links

• Watch the full video here
• Gallup polling - 80% of Americans favor regulating AI
• Pew study - Only 17% believe AI will have a positive impact
• Grey Goo - Britannica explanation
• Economist article - Blue book sales doubling due to AI
• Child Care Micro-Centers Filling Empty Classrooms in Chattanooga, TN
• Peer Mental Health Support in Great Falls Public Schools, Montana
• Local News Initiative - Vanishing Newspapers
• Center for Scholastic Journalism - Decline in Scholastic Journalism
• State of News - News Deserts
• Cell Phone Bans in Schools - Campus Safety Magazine
• AI Infiltration and Use in Education - Center for Democracy and Technology
• AI Tutoring Development - LearnLM DeepMind Report
• Science of Reading - AEI Article