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Schools are increasingly confronting the issue of students using artificial intelligence (AI) to create sexually explicit deepfakes of their peers. This problem was notably highlighted in a Louisiana middle school, where two boys were charged after AI-generated nude images circulated, leading to one victim's expulsion for fighting. Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre stated: "This incident highlights a serious concern that all parents should address with their children." As of 2025, over half of U.S. states have enacted laws targeting deepfakes, with prosecutions occurring in multiple states. Experts like Sameer Hinduja emphasize the need for schools to update their policies and engage in discussions with students about the implications of AI-generated content. The trauma inflicted by deepfakes can be severe, as victims often struggle with anxiety and depression due to the viral nature of these images. Parents are encouraged to initiate conversations about online content to help mitigate these issues.

 

U.S. News

Many rural school districts across the United States are struggling to compensate for the loss of federal grant funding, which has been significantly impacted by the Trump administration's policies. Shannon Johnson, a former school mental health counselor, noted the abrupt end of her grant-funded position, commenting: "We had our minds and our goals and our plans really prepped for five-year work. We can't really see a lot of change through systems in a year." Federal funding constitutes about 10% of national education spending, but this percentage is much higher in rural areas, where property tax revenues are limited. The loss of these funds has forced districts to make difficult decisions, including cutting essential programs and staff. Shelby County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Matthews emphasized that the funding loss "only hurts students," as it supports critical services for disadvantaged youth. As federal grants dwindle, rural schools face an uncertain future, with many programs at risk of disappearing entirely.

 

U.S. News

The Jackson school district in Ocean County has agreed to sell the Christa McAuliffe Middle School, which closed in June, for $40m to Beth Medrash Govoha of America. Superintendent Nicole Pormilli said: "The sale of this property represents a responsible and necessary step for the district and for Jackson taxpayers." Initially listed at $54.5m, the price was reduced due to limited offers. The district is facing budgetary constraints and declining enrollment, leading to the closure of multiple schools, including the Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School. The sale is seen as crucial for maintaining district operations amid uncertainty regarding state funding. Jackson currently operates five elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.

 

NJ.com

A legal dispute is emerging in Tennessee regarding religious charter schools in Tennessee, following a statement from Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti suggesting that the state's law prohibiting them may be unconstitutional. The Knox County lawsuit, initiated by the nonprofit Wilberforce Academy, argues that local and state regulations discriminate against religious entities. Preston Green, a professor of education at the University of Connecticut, emphasized the significant implications of this issue for public education, commenting: "There are people who see religious charter schools as the next frontier of getting more public funding toward religious education." The lawsuit coincides with a new legal opinion from Skrmetti, which questions the constitutionality of the ban on religious charters, highlighting a potential shift in Tennessee's educational landscape.

 

Chalkbeat

Miss Hall's School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is embroiled in a significant sexual abuse scandal following the release of the Aleta Law investigative report. The report details decades of misconduct by multiple employees, including former history teacher Matthew Rutledge, who allegedly groomed and sexually assaulted students over a thirty-year period. The investigation identified eight substantiated cases of sexual misconduct from the 1940s to the 2010s, revealing a pattern of emotional exploitation and boundary violations. Two former students, Hilary Simon and Melissa Fares, have filed lawsuits against the school, citing negligence and harm. Simon testified: "What began as compliments and extra attention turned into forcible touching and sexual intercourse." Despite the troubling findings, no criminal charges have been filed against Rutledge due to Massachusetts law defining the age of consent as sixteen. The school has acknowledged its past failures and is implementing reforms, including a new employee code of conduct and enhanced reporting protocols, to ensure student safety.

 

Fox News

In a detailed report, families and advocates express alarm over President Trump’s proposed $1trn Medicaid cuts, which fund crucial support services for nearly 1m children with disabilities in California. Parents like Lindsay Crain and Lelah Coppedge worry about losing therapies, equipment, and home care essential to their children’s independence. “It feels like we’re going backward,” said Coppedge. Cuts could also impact school-based services, and the potential transfer of special education oversight to a medical-focused agency further raises fears. Advocates warn decades of progress in disability rights are at risk.

 

The 74 (Online)

Leaders of Iowa's K-12 public schools are grappling with significant changes, including increased school choice, politicization, and public scrutiny. Brad Buck, former superintendent of Cedar Rapids Community School District, stated: "It's a completely different job in some ways." The evolving landscape demands that superintendents enhance communication with communities and address declining trust. Factors such as social media's role in amplifying misinformation and the impact of recent legislation have complicated the educational environment. Amy Hawkins, superintendent of Dubuque Community School District, emphasized the importance of effective communication amidst rising political tensions.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

CrossingPoints, a program at the University of Alabama, supports students with intellectual disabilities by providing them with essential skills for independent living and employment. Anna Kathryn Bonner, an independent living and social inclusion coordinator, emphasizes the program's impact, stating: "I will forever be known as Bethany's sister." The initiative collaborates with local schools and offers various programs, including Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3, which focus on job training, social skills, and college experiences. Jeremy Reid, the external relations coordinator, noted that 75% of participants secure jobs after completing the program. The future of CrossingPoints aims to expand opportunities for students to earn college credits and industry certifications, reflecting the program's commitment to fostering independence and community integration.

 

Al.com

Alex Shieh, a former Brown University student and publisher of the Brown Spectator, criticized the institution's financial priorities following a tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Shieh stated: "I don't think it's particularly surprising that the old buildings on campus have never been retrofitted with updated security systems." He highlighted the disparity between the university's $100,000 annual tuition and its $8 billion endowment, questioning why essential security measures, such as cameras, were lacking. Shieh's concerns about administrative bloat and wasteful spending led to disciplinary actions against him, but he maintained that the growth in administrative staff contributes to rising tuition costs. The incident has sparked discussions about free speech and spending practices within Ivy League institutions.

 

Fox News

The Nigerian government confirmed the release of the remaining 130 schoolchildren kidnapped from St. Mary's Private Catholic School in Niger State. Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare stated: "Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity." The children were abducted in November, alongside 12 teachers, during an attack by armed bandits. Following the incident, 50 students escaped within 48 hours, and earlier this month, security forces rescued 100 victims. The violence in Nigeria, particularly against schools, is part of a broader trend of mass kidnappings driven by communal tensions and resource disputes.

 

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