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USA
8th January 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Trump administration issues revamped nutrition advice

The Trump administration has released the 2025-2030 U.S. dietary guidelines, urging Americans to consume more whole foods and protein while reducing highly processed foods and added sugars. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said: "Our message is clear: Eat real food." The guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of daily calories and suggest whole-food sources. They also call for increased protein intake, advising 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. The guidelines will impact federal nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 30m children daily. The School Nutrition Association has reiterated its call for Congress to increase funding for school meal programs. “School nutrition programs are where the vision of the DGAs becomes reality for the 30m children eating school meals each day,” Stephanie Dillard, the association’s president, said in a statement. “Congress has a tremendous opportunity to improve the health of America by investing resources to help schools expand scratch cooking, serve more fresh, local foods and further positive momentum in cafeterias.”

DISTRICTS

Memphis-Shelby County board members seek election halt

Five Memphis-Shelby County board members are seeking to prevent the local election commission from preparing for the May 5 primary races while their lawsuit against the 2026 board reset is pending. They filed a request for a temporary restraining order with the Shelby County Chancery Court, which is scheduled to hear arguments on January 26. If granted, this order would halt the issuance of candidate petitions for Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti warned that stopping the process could lead to “electoral chaos.” The board members argue that the election commission's actions are harming them by prematurely filling their seats before a court ruling. They are also requesting an expedited hearing and a permanent injunction to prevent further preparations for the district races beyond the petition process, which ends on February 19.

FINANCE

Alpine School District uses Utah land trust funds to tailor academic support

With a record $15.8m in trust land permanent funds allocated for the 2026–27 school year, Alpine School District is directing resources to schools based on enrolment, allowing each to target its greatest academic needs. Administrator Sam Rencher says the funding—boosted by Utah’s Amendment B—serves as critical “choice money” for initiatives such as reading programs, teacher training, and school improvement plans, as determined by local school community councils. The district's upcoming split into three new districts will see the funds distributed accordingly, with Rencher expecting a smooth transition.

LEGAL

Mistrial motion denied in Uvalde case

On Wednesday, in the ongoing trial of former Uvalde school district police officer Adrian Gonzales, a Texas judge denied a motion for a mistrial. The request was made by Gonzales' defense team after a witness, Stephanie Hale, a third-grade teacher, provided unexpected testimony about seeing the gunman during the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School, which resulted in the deaths of nineteen students and two teachers. Judge Sid Harle ruled that the inclusion of Hale's testimony was inadvertent and allowed the trial to proceed. Gonzales, charged with twenty-nine counts of child endangerment, has pleaded not guilty, with his defense arguing that he could not confront the shooter due to the chaotic circumstances. The trial will resume with the jury this morning. The defense plans to present Hale's earlier interview to the jury, where she did not mention seeing the gunman.

Desegregation case closed in DeSoto, LA

On January 5, U.S. District Court Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. dismissed a long-standing desegregation case involving DeSoto Parish Schools, following a joint motion from the U.S. Department of Justice, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, and the DeSoto Parish School Board. This decision marks the end of nearly 60 years of federal oversight, as officials argue that the district has ceased racial discrimination. Murrill said: "The school boards are deprived of their ability to actually govern when a federal judge is supervising an old consent decree." However, civil rights groups have expressed concerns, citing ongoing racial disparities in student discipline and access to resources. They advocate for a thorough examination of current conditions before lifting remaining desegregation orders. Approximately a dozen Louisiana school districts still operate under such orders, which require compliance reports and court approval for changes affecting racial balance.

POLICY

Arizona Senator proposes turning empty schools Into housing for teachers, public workers

Facing a surplus of unused school buildings and a shortage of affordable rentals, Arizona Senator John Kavanagh has introduced a bill to allow public school districts to sell or lease vacant properties for workforce housing. The measure, SB 1080, would let districts partner with private developers to convert surplus facilities into homes for teachers, healthcare staff, emergency responders, and other essential workers. With public school enrolment falling due to demographics and school choice programs, Kavanagh says repurposing school properties could benefit communities financially while helping solve the state’s housing crisis. Districts would require independent valuations, public hearings, and two-thirds board approval to proceed with such plans.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Green Bay schools rethink safety measures

The Green Bay School District has decided against implementing major safety measures following the rejection of a weapons detection pilot program. Instead, the district will concentrate on smaller initiatives, such as a student safety ambassador program and updates to existing safety plans. Chris Collar, the safety and security manager, said: "There are going to be lots of things that are done that people might not notice, but we're tightening things up or doing things differently." The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about school safety, particularly after a loaded handgun incident at Preble High School in September 2025. While the district is facing a multimillion-dollar deficit, Superintendent Vicki Bayer emphasized that costs should not hinder safety efforts. Students have expressed a desire to address the root causes of violence, advocating for increased support for social workers and therapists.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Flu cases surge in North Jersey schools

North Jersey schools are experiencing a significant increase in flu cases and student absences following the holiday break. Patrick McQueeney, superintendent of the Westwood Regional School District, said: "An increase in seasonal flu and respiratory illnesses has resulted in a higher-than-usual number of student absences." The rise is attributed to a mutated flu strain and declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by recent federal guidance that has reduced the number of recommended vaccinations for children. Robin Cogan, a school nurse at Rutgers-Camden, noted that the current flu strain is "difficult and likely mutated." New Jersey's health officials are concerned about the implications of these changes on public health, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations in preventing illness.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Youth homelessness: a call to action

Twenty-year-old Mikayla Foreman, who has faced homelessness since 18, emphasizes the need for early intervention in schools to prevent youth homelessness. “If someone in school had understood what I was going through, things could've been very different,” she said. A report from Covenant House and the University of California, Berkeley, highlights that youth homelessness often stems from unique challenges, such as family conflicts and trauma, rather than the job loss or eviction common among adults. The research suggests that schools and social services can play a crucial role in addressing these issues by identifying at-risk youth and providing tailored support. Advocates stress the importance of creating strong relationships with non-parental adults and offering mental health care that meets the specific needs of diverse youth populations. The report calls for a comprehensive approach to prevent youth homelessness before it escalates.

PRIVATE EDUCATION

Iowa's private school enrollment surges

Iowa's nonpublic school enrollment has increased significantly following the enactment of House File 68, which allows families to utilize taxpayer funds for private schooling. As of October 2025, 41,892 students attended private schools, marking a 6% rise from the previous year. Gov. Kim Reynolds said: "The education savings accounts empower families to choose the best educational path for their children." In contrast, public school enrollment has declined, with a total of 515,221 students enrolled, down from 520,021 the previous year. The Iowa Department of Education attributes this decline to lower birth rates and fewer students advancing through grades. The education savings accounts provide families with $7,988 for the 2025-26 school year, further incentivizing private school attendance.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UC welcomes record number of students

The University of California (UC) has reported a historic enrollment of over 301,000 students for fall 2025, marking an increase of 1,686 students from the previous year. This total includes more than 200,000 California resident undergraduates, with first-year California students comprising about 80% of the total. UC President James B. Milliken stated: "These numbers reflect California's commitment to academic excellence, access, and innovation." While overall demographics remained stable, there were slight decreases in Black and Native American first-year students. Despite challenges from the Trump administration and federal funding cuts, UC's international student enrollment remained relatively stable, with a notable increase in new undergraduate international students. The data release comes amid ongoing scrutiny of UC's admission practices and reliance on higher tuition from international students.

INTERNATIONAL

French teachers oppose high school smartphone ban

French teaching unions have pushed back against a government proposal to ban smartphones in lycées (high schools) from 2026, extending restrictions already in place for younger pupils. Critics argue the ban would disrupt digital systems used for essential services like library access and cafeteria payments, and fail to address broader societal issues. Unions label the move a “publicity stunt” and question enforcement feasibility, resources, and its impact on older students. The bill, which also seeks to ban social media for under-15s, will be debated in Parliament later this year. 
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