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On Friday, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping tax and spending bill into law in a high-profile White House ceremony. Celebrated as a major legislative win, the "Big Beautiful Bill" extends most of Trump's 2017 tax cuts and adds deductions for tips, overtime, and seniors. The bill, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will aid $3.4tn to federal deficits over the next 10 years, is being partially paid for by significant cuts to health care and nutrition programs, including Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to over 13m children and makes kids automatically eligible for free meals at school. It also largely terminates numerous tax incentives from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act for clean energy, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency programs, ending tax credits for new and used electric vehicles, the installation of home EV charging equipment, and for insulation and energy efficient heating and cooling systems. It creates a new voucher-like program that will pay for private school scholarships, although states will be allowed to opt out if they wish. Individuals can subtract $1,700 off their tax bill if they donate that amount to an organization that awards scholarships to kids who attend private school. The cuts to Medicaid, the fourth-largest source of federal funding for schools, have caused alarm; Jessie Mandle, the national program director at the nonprofit Healthy Schools Campaign, said it is the equivalent of cutting district budgets, adding: “School districts are very much aware of how important Medicaid dollars are to serve students with disabilities, address the youth mental crisis, [and] address students’ behavioral health needs.”  

 

CBS News

Chalkbeat

Six months after the devastating fires in L.A. County, the community is slowly rebuilding. Eric Swenson, a colonel with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, noted: "People here have already started to rebuild," with 9,500 properties cleared in under five months. However, many displaced residents face uncertainty about returning to their homes and whether their neighborhoods can regain their former character. The fires have created a connection among survivors, who are sharing resources and experiences. Awareness of fire risks has increased, prompting many to invest in home-hardening measures. Public health concerns, particularly regarding soil contamination, have also emerged. As the community navigates recovery, the future remains uncertain, especially regarding federal aid and insurance costs.

 

Pasadena Star-News

About 7,000 educators gathered in Portland for the National Education Association's (NEA) annual meeting, which took place in Portland from July 1-7. NEA President Becky Pringle emphasized the importance of educators' involvement in decision-making, stating, "Educators must be at the core of all decisions that are made." The meeting served as a platform for setting the union's agenda, electing officers, and discussing education policies. Pringle also addressed the impact of the Trump administration's withholding of $7bn in federal funding, calling it "unconscionable" and highlighting the need for accountability in the upcoming elections. Congress had already appropriated that money. A part of our challenge and our responsibility is to take this very example and say that now our kids will be going back to school, some of them in a couple of weeks, in the middle of chaos, because that money that was promised was taken, and now they have to prepare for all these other cuts. And so our job is to make sure that people know it and understand that the people they elected, the people who were elected, did this to them, their children, and their community. That's our job right now," she added.

 

The Oregonian

Last Thursday, the Supreme Court announced that it will hear two cases testing the constitutionality of state laws that bar transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports teams. The cases, one from West Virginia and the other from Idaho, involve transgender athletes who at least initially competed in track and field and cross country. An appeals court ruled that Idaho’s law violates the Constitution’s equal protection cause by targeting transgender people, while another appeals court concluded that the West Virginia law violates Title IX, the federal law banning most sex discrimination by schools. The West Virginia case, West Virginia v. B.P.J., was filed by a then-middle school student who told the Supreme Court she was “devastated at the prospect” of not being able to compete after the state passed a law banning trans women athletes’ participation in public school sports. The Idaho case, Little v. Hecox, was filed on behalf of several plaintiffs, including a 17-year-old girl who was a junior at Boise High School and concerned about be being subjected to invasive “sex verification” testing under a new law. Arguments in the cases are likely to take place in the fall with decisions expected from the high court by June 2026.

 

CNN

New York Times

Politico

Wall Street Journal

Grossmont Union High School District is embroiled in controversy as teachers, parents, and community members allege that some board trustees manipulated last year's election. Text messages and emails obtained by the San Diego Union-Tribune reveal a plot by trustees and their allies, including Jerry Hobbs, a former teacher, to support certain candidates while undermining others. Concerns have been raised about the involvement of three candidates, whose statements appeared to be crafted to attract progressive votes, potentially to siphon support from union-backed candidates. "It smells like more collusion, more conspiracy," said Jay Steiger, a candidate who lost to Scott Eckert, one of the favored candidates. The situation has led to calls for a recall of the board members involved, with accusations of unethical behavior surrounding campaign financing and candidate placement.

 

Merced Sun Star

The Sacramento Bee

Fresno-area school districts are facing a significant loss in federal funding due to the Trump Administration's decision to withhold $6.2 bn allocated for K-12 public schools. Fresno USD expects to lose $7.1m, while Clovis USD anticipates a $2.2m shortfall. These funds, typically available on July 1, support essential services for English learners and migrant children, as well as teacher training and after-school programs. Superintendent Misty Her stated: “Our commitment to every student remains unwavering,” emphasizing the district's efforts to protect students from the impact of these cuts. The California Department of Education was informed of the funding freeze just a day before the expected disbursement, potentially affecting summer learning programs and professional development activities. Overall, California schools could see an $811m shortfall, representing 16.5% of total federal funding.

 

The Fresno Bee

Placentia-Yorba Linda USD is projected to end the fiscal year with a deficit of nearly $43m, while the city government anticipates a modest surplus of $114,256. The district's total expenditures are estimated at $399m, with most revenue sourced from state funding and about $10m from federal sources. School officials expect the deficit to decrease to over $20.2m by June 30, 2027, and around $15.6m by June 30, 2028. A budget stabilization plan will be presented to school trustees, which may include staffing reductions and non-personnel cost cuts.

 

The Orange Country Register

Berkeley USD (BUSD) approved its $229m budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year on June 18, despite facing a $7.6m deficit. The budget includes $6.7m in balancing solutions, primarily through position cuts and fund reallocations, while avoiding most layoffs. BUSD School Board President Ka’Dijah Brown stated, “While we may have not gotten it all right... we want to thank our community.” The district could not allocate funds for the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) reserve, which is crucial for improving student outcomes. Assistant Superintendent Pauline Follansbee warned that failing to adhere to the budget could jeopardize the district's ability to pay its bills. The board also decided against funding four positions in the Office of Family Engagement and Equity, despite community support.

 

The Daily Californian

Local school districts are proceeding cautiously this year due to the U.S. Department of Education withholding $6.9bn in education funding. An estimated $800m of this amount would have been allocated to California schools. Nick Heinlein, assistant superintendent at Saugus USD, said: “For us, we will proceed as normal until we know more about what is happening.” The impact of the funding freeze is expected to affect professional development and programs for English learners and migrant students. Other districts, like the William S. Hart Union High School District, are also preparing for potential budget adjustments. Superintendent Michael Vierra noted, “Whenever you lose funding... it’s going to have an impact.” While this year’s programs remain unaffected, districts are bracing for possible repercussions in the 2026-27 school year if funding is not restored.

 

Signalscv.com

President Donald Trump has enacted 10 executive orders on immigration, declaring a national emergency at the southern border. This has led to a surge of anti-immigrant policies that have instilled fear among undocumented students. Many are concerned about their safety and ability to continue their education, especially after restrictions on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in schools, churches, and hospitals were lifted. EdSource’s California Student Journalism Corps conducted interviews with undocumented students and those from mixed-status families to explore the personal impacts of these policies. One student expressed, "We are afraid to go to the grocery store or even to campus." The new administration's actions have created a climate of uncertainty that affects students' daily lives and academic pursuits.

 

EdSource

Kavita Dhaliwal has been appointed as the new principal of Hurd Barrington Elementary in Newman, pending school board approval. With over a decade of experience in the Newman-Crows Landing USD, she previously served as the Learning Director. Dhaliwal began her career in 2014 as a Kindergarten teacher at Von Renner Elementary, where she was recognized for her dedication to early childhood education and mentorship.

 

Westsideconnect.com

Daniel Morris is returning as principal at Huntington Beach High School after two years at Edison. He previously served as principal from 2015 to 2023, fostering school spirit during his tenure. Brenna Orr, the former principal, will transition to an assistant principal role at Fountain Valley High. Superintendent Carolee Ogata stated, “We’re excited for the return of Daniel Morris to the Oiler family!” With over 17 years in the district, Morris is expected to enhance the community he helped build.

 

Los Angeles Times

Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District students engaged in meaningful volunteer work this summer, helping children in need through two nonprofits. Superintendent Heath Rocha praised the students, remarking: "Our students continue to inspire us with their compassion and commitment to others." Participants crocheted themed wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment as part of the Magic Yarn Project, led by retired counselor Linda Williams, with donations going to Stanford Children's Hospital. Additionally, students prepared 20 lasagnas for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system through Lasagna Love, a grassroots nonprofit that connects volunteer chefs with families in need.

 

The Sacramento Bee