Department of Education News

You’re listening to the Education Brief. The big headline from the U.S. Department of Education this week: the department has released 169 million dollars in new grants to colleges and universities through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, or FIPSE, aiming to reshape how higher education uses artificial intelligence, teaches civil discourse, and connects students to jobs. According to the department’s January 5th press release, more than 70 institutions and organizations will share this funding, with projects ranging from AI-enhanced nursing and IT programs to new credentials in civic leadership and short-term workforce training aligned with advanced manu...

Welcome to your weekly dive into the U.S. Department of Education's biggest moves. This week, the standout headline is the announcement of six new interagency partnerships with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State. These deals shift major programs like K-12 Title I funding—over $20 billion annually—elementary and secondary education to Labor, postsecondary grants to Labor, Indian education to Interior, and more, all to dismantle federal bureaucracy and hand control back to states.

Secretary Linda McMahon called it bold action: "The Trump Administration is taking bold action to break up the federal educ...

Welcome to your weekly update on the U.S. Department of Education, where we cut through the noise to spotlight what's changing in education and why it matters to you.

This week's biggest headline: The Department of Education announced six new interagency agreements, shifting oversight of major K-12 and postsecondary programs to the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State. This includes handing over the massive $18.4 billion Title I program—supporting low-income students in 95% of school districts—to the Labor Department, along with programs for homeless youth, migrant children, and teacher incentives. It's part of a bo...

Welcome back, listeners, to your weekly dive into the U.S. Department of Education's biggest moves. This week, the top headline hits hard: after the tragic December 13 shooting at Brown University that claimed two students' lives, the Department launched a program review to check for Clery Act violations on campus safety. Secretary Linda McMahon said, “Students deserve to feel safe at school, and every university must protect them and aid law enforcement.” Brown must submit security reports and evidence by January 30, 2026.

Shifting gears, the Department announced six new interagency agreements, handing off programs to break up the federal bure...

Welcome back, listeners, to your weekly dive into the U.S. Department of Education's biggest moves. This week, the top headline is heartbreaking: after the tragic December 13 shooting at Brown University that claimed two students' lives, Secretary Linda McMahon announced a program review to check for Clery Act violations on campus safety. "Students deserve to feel safe at school," McMahon said in the official press release, "and every university must protect their students and follow federal security procedures."

Pushing forward on President Trump's March executive order, the department just revealed six new interagency agreements shifting major programs to...

Welcome to this week's education briefing. The biggest story dominating headlines right now involves the Trump administration's active reorganization of the Department of Education, and it's reshaping how federal education money flows across the country.

Here's what's happening. The Department of Education still exists and Congress hasn't voted to abolish it, but something significant is underway. Through a series of administrative actions, the administration is transferring programs to other federal agencies. The Department of Labor is now taking on the lion's share, managing more than twenty billion dollars in K-12 funding annually, including Title I grants that support...

The big headline from the U.S. Department of Education this week is that the agency says it has reached a historic milestone in FAFSA completions, with more than 5 million 2026–27 FAFSA forms successfully submitted by students and families, according to the Department’s own newsroom. That signals a critical stabilization of the federal financial aid system after years of rocky rollouts and delays.

The Department is also leaning into “doing more with less” as it continues a major downsizing and reorganization. Education Week reports that in 2025 the Department shed nearly half its staff through layoffs and buyouts, while beginnin...

You’re listening to the Education Brief, where we break down what’s happening at the U.S. Department of Education and what it means for your life.

The big headline this week: the Department of Education has wrapped up key negotiated rulemaking sessions to carry out two major laws reshaping federal student aid, including the new Workforce Pell Grant and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s loan provisions, while also announcing that it has prevented 1 billion dollars in federal student aid fraud so far this year, according to the Department’s own newsroom.

Here’s what tha...

You’re listening to Ed Brief, where we break down what’s happening at the U.S. Department of Education and why it matters to you.

The big headline this week: the Department of Education is sending home dozens of employees who were on the chopping block back to work to tackle a growing civil rights backlog, even as the administration continues its push to shrink and ultimately close the department. According to the Associated Press and local outlets covering federal workforce news, staff in the Office for Civil Rights who were targeted for layoffs are being reinstated to h...

Good morning, this is your education update. The Trump administration has just made a massive restructuring of how America's schools are managed. This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced it's moving significant portions of its operations to four other federal agencies, marking what many are calling the most dramatic shift in education governance in decades.

Here's what's happening. The Department of Labor will now take on administration of most K-12 education programs, managing over twenty billion dollars annually. This includes Title I funding, which supports disadvantaged students in schools across the country. The Labor Department will...

# Department of Education Restructuring: What You Need to Know

Hello and welcome. This week, the Trump administration made a bombshell announcement that could fundamentally reshape how America's schools operate. The Department of Education is being dismantled, with its core functions scattered across four different federal agencies. Here's what that means for you.

The Education Department announced six interagency agreements moving K-12 and higher education programs to the Department of Labor, while shifting educational services for Native Americans to the Interior Department, college student childcare and foreign medical school accreditation to Health and Human Services, and international...

Good morning, this is your education update. The Trump administration just announced a major restructuring of the Department of Education that could fundamentally change how federal education money flows to schools across the country.

On Tuesday, the Department of Education announced six new partnerships with four federal agencies to move significant portions of their operations elsewhere. Here's what's happening: the Department of Labor will now oversee more than twenty billion dollars annually in K-12 education funding, including major programs like Title I grants that support disadvantaged students, English language acquisition, and literacy programs. The Department of Labor will...

The biggest headline from the Department of Education this week is the launch of a sweeping restructuring plan, announced Tuesday, that sets in motion the most significant shift of federal education responsibilities in decades. The Trump administration is beginning to transfer core Education Department programs—including K-12 and higher education—to other agencies, aiming to fulfill the President’s March executive order to “return education to the states.” According to reporting from Politico, this plan will see the Department of Labor taking over elementary and secondary education programs as well as most postsecondary initiatives, while Indian education will move to the Interi...

Big news from the Department of Education this week: The department just wrapped its second session of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education, or RISE, negotiated rulemaking committee. The hot topic at the table is rolling out massive changes to federal student loans triggered by the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, known as the OBBBA, signed this past summer. Among the most headline-grabbing changes? The Grad PLUS loan program is set to be eliminated, a move that’s got graduate students and universities across the country scrambling for new ways to finance advanced degrees. The Department says this aims to ta...

Big news this week from the Department of Education: the final rule for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was announced on October 30, following months of negotiation and public debate. This overhaul aims to make loan forgiveness more accessible for public servants—from teachers and nurses to first responders—by clarifying eligibility and streamlining the forgiveness process, a move the department calls “a major step forward in supporting Americans devoted to public service,” according to Secretary McMahon.

Alongside this, the federal government is still in the shadow of a shutdown, with Congress stonewalled on reopening crucial agency functions. Despite...

Breaking news from Washington: The U.S. Department of Education just released a major final rule overhauling the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, aiming for what the department describes as clearer, simpler, and more accessible pathways for borrowers working in public service. According to a Department press release this week, these changes intend to address longstanding complaints from teachers, nurses, and other civil servants about red tape and denied applications, and are expected to impact over 600,000 Americans currently enrolled in loan forgiveness programs. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said, “We are delivering on our promise to reward public service with real re...

This week’s biggest headline from the Department of Education is about sweeping changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. On October 30, the department released its final rule aiming to clarify eligibility and repayment paths for borrowers dedicating their careers to public service. The Department has already begun sending out discharge notifications to about 2 million eligible borrowers, giving real relief to teachers, nurses, and nonprofit workers. According to Secretary Linda McMahon, “We’re delivering on our promise to help dedicated public servants who have upheld their end of the bargain.”

But these changes land amid the ongoing federal...

This week, the Department of Education grabbed headlines with a record-setting release of $500 million for charter school programs, marking the largest investment in the program's history. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced this milestone, highlighting the administration's push to expand school choice and alternatives for families nationwide. In her words, "Every child in America deserves access to a high-quality education that meets their needs, and we are committed to empowering parents and communities with more options than ever before."

Alongside this, Secretary McMahon rolled out two new supplemental priorities for discretionary grant programs: Meaningful Learning and Career Pathways...

Big news this week from the Department of Education: Secretary Linda McMahon has announced the final rule on Public Service Loan Forgiveness, aiming to protect taxpayers while reaffirming support for Americans dedicated to public service. This rule, unveiled just yesterday, streamlines eligibility, making it easier for teachers, nurses, and other public servants to access loan relief, while tightening oversight to curb fraud. Secretary McMahon said, “We’re working to ensure commitments to public service are honored, and that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.”

There’s turmoil on the budget front: the federal government experienced a shutdown October 1 after Congress...

This week’s headline out of the Department of Education is the $137 million reallocation to the American History and Civics Education program, a move announced amid Congress’s failure to pass a continuing resolution, resulting in the October 1 federal government shutdown. With budget negotiations ongoing for fiscal year 2026, the Department is doubling down on programs aimed at “Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness” and “Meaningful Learning Opportunities,” as described by Education Secretary Linda McMahon. These proposed priorities for future grant competitions are open for public comment until October 27. Secretary McMahon emphasized, “Workforce preparedness isn't just a national priority—it’s a commitment to st...

This week’s top story from the U.S. Department of Education is a major shake-up in higher education policy, as the Trump Administration has sent its new “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” to nine prominent universities including MIT, Brown, and University of Texas at Austin. Under this compact, these institutions face sweeping new requirements: banning consideration of race, sex, and political views in undergraduate admissions—with narrow exceptions for single-sex and religious schools—capping international undergraduate enrollment at 15 percent, and freezing published tuition and fees. Undergraduate applicants must now take standardized tests to ensure admissions decisions rest only on ob...

Welcome, listeners. The big headline in education this week is the Department of Education’s announcement of the new College Affordability Action Plan, aimed at tackling rising tuition costs and student loan burdens nationwide. Secretary Miguel Cardona said Thursday, “It’s time for higher education to be a promise that works for everyone, not a privilege for a few.”

This initiative sets in motion an expanded federal-state partnership to curb tuition increases, with over $4 billion in new grant funding earmarked for public universities that agree to cap annual tuition growth below inflation. The plan also brings immediate fixes for loan...

Listeners, this week’s headline from the Department of Education is the announcement of the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, spotlighting 161 exceptional high school seniors across academics, arts, and career-and-technical fields. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon says, “These students embody the future of American achievement and leadership.”

Jumping into policy, the Department has just released Secretary McMahon’s sixth and seventh supplemental grant priorities: “Meaningful Learning” and “Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness.” These priorities signal a strong federal push to link classroom learning directly to employable skills, giving states and districts new ways to focus grants on workforce development.

One m...

The top story from the Department of Education this week is the sweeping impact of the federal government shutdown, which has triggered a new wave of substantial staff layoffs throughout the department. Education Week reports that these cuts are especially hitting the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, which oversees cornerstone programs like Title I and ensures enforcement of the Every Student Succeeds Act. The union representing department employees warns the shutdown is making an already lean agency even leaner, threatening core services and federal support that millions of American students and schools depend on.

In tandem with...

Welcome to your Department of Education update. This week's biggest story centers on a controversial new White House initiative targeting nine elite universities with a sweeping compact that ties federal funding to major institutional reforms.

On October first, the White House sent memorandums to Vanderbilt, Dartmouth, Penn, USC, MIT, UT Austin, Arizona, Brown, and UVA proposing the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. According to The Wall Street Journal, schools agreeing to this compact would receive preferential access to federal funds and substantial grants. But there are significant strings attached. Universities must reform admission and hiring practices...

Hello listeners, today’s top headline from the Department of Education is the administration’s bold push to make workforce readiness the center of U.S. education policy. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced this new direction just days ago, proposing that billions in federal discretionary grants prioritize career pathways and programs that connect students directly to high-demand jobs. The secretary stated, “The department looks forward to empowering states to close achievement gaps and align education with the evolving needs of the workforce.” The comment period for this shift is open until October 27, giving stakeholders a chance to weigh in.
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This week’s top story from the U.S. Department of Education is the announcement of a record $500 million investment in the nation’s Charter Schools Program, the largest allocation in program history. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “This investment reflects our commitment to expanding educational opportunities for families and strengthening innovative public school options.” For thousands of families across the country, this funding means more access to high-quality charter schools, particularly in underserved areas, and will directly influence the educational landscape for the coming school year.

Alongside this headline, another major development is the earliest-ever launch of the F...

The headline shaking up the education landscape this week is the Department of Education’s official certification to Congress that the 2026–2027 FAFSA will launch on time this fall—by October 1. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon says this is thanks to a renewed focus on technical competence, marking what she calls “the earliest testing launch of the FAFSA form in history.” For families and students, this brings a sense of relief and predictability after previous rollouts left many in limbo. According to the department, the Pell Grant and other student aid updates tied to the FAFSA will also kick in with this year’...

This week’s most significant headline from the Department of Education is the historic announcement of nearly $1 billion in new investments for charter schools, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities. The Department is repurposing funds from programs no longer deemed to be in the best interest of students, and channeling them into high-impact initiatives. According to the Department’s press release, HBCUs and TCCUs alone will receive a combined $495 million on top of their usual funding for the next fiscal year, translating to a 48% to over 100% increase for these institutions. Charter schools are also seeing reco...

The top headline from the Department of Education this week is a historic investment: The Department is channeling more than half a billion dollars into charter schools, American history and civics programs, and is making record one-time investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, or TCCUs. This $500 million boost to the Charter Schools Program is the largest in U.S. history, and HBCUs and TCCUs will receive a combined $600 million in additional funds for fiscal year 2025. According to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, these investments are being redirected from funding streams previously...

The biggest headline from the Department of Education this week is the Trump administration’s unprecedented move toward dismantling the agency itself. Last March, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to “take all steps necessary” to facilitate the closure of the Department. While completely eliminating the Department of Education still requires legislation—and Congress has yet to signal majority backing—the blueprint is in motion. In just the past week, the Department announced a major reduction in force, impacting every office, suggesting this is no mere political show but a concrete step toward stripping...

In the biggest education headline this week, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced sweeping changes to federal funding for Minority-Serving Institutions. The Department will end discretionary grants to programs that use racial or ethnic quotas, following a determination by the U.S. Solicitor General that these practices likely violate the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection principles. According to Secretary McMahon, “Discrimination based upon race or ethnicity has no place in the United States. The Department looks forward to working with Congress to reenvision these programs to support institutions serving underprepared or under-resourced students without relying on race quotas.” Grant recipients were n...

The top story from the Department of Education this week is a sweeping move to end discretionary grant funding for Minority-Serving Institutions. In a bold statement, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon declared that “discrimination based upon race or ethnicity has no place in the United States." This decision, announced just days ago, follows the recent legal determination that grant programs requiring specific racial or ethnic enrollment percentages—like the Hispanic-Serving Institutions initiative—are unconstitutional.

What’s changing? The department will no longer award new grants or continue existing discretionary payments to a range of programs supporting Hispanic, Black, Asian Am...

The education world’s headline this week is the Department of Education’s continued freeze on more than six billion dollars in federal K–12 funds, despite Congressional approval and mounting pressure from state leaders. This impoundment is having immediate effects on public schools nationwide, with programs for summer learning, after-school support, and help for English learners left in limbo. According to the Learning Policy Institute, as of July, states are missing out on crucial resources, and districts warn that if funds aren’t released soon, student services will be disrupted just as the school year ramps up.

In Washingt...

The biggest headline from the Department of Education this week is the announcement of two major negotiated rulemaking efforts to implement President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This ambitious legislation is set to reshape higher education by overhauling student loan and Pell Grant programs, launching tougher accountability measures for colleges and universities, and prioritizing workforce readiness in postsecondary policy. Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron summed up the department’s sense of urgency: “The new law will force colleges and universities to focus more on post-graduation outcomes, facilitate more workforce pathways, make student loans simpler for borrowers, and ensure taxpay...

Listeners, the biggest news this week from the Department of Education centers on a wave of uncertainty around federal funding for schools, as billions in expected dollars remain in limbo. According to Education Week, the department is still finalizing key fiscal 2025 funding allocations for critical K-12 programs like Title I-C for migrant students, Title II-A for teacher development, and enrichment grants, leaving states and school districts without guarantees that their money will arrive on time, or at all. This lack of assurance has budget officers and superintendents across the country on high alert, adjusting plans and potentially bracing for mid-year...

The biggest headline out of the Department of Education this week is the confirmation by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon that the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, will launch on time this fall. For millions of American students and families, this is a much-needed return to predictability after years of late rollouts and technical fiascos. Secretary McMahon called it “the return of competent leadership and on-time delivery,” highlighting the administration’s push for technical expertise and smoother experiences for students. In fact, the department’s Federal Student Aid office began beta testing the form...

This week’s top story: The U.S. Department of Education has just issued new guidance to expand school choice options nationwide, a move expected to have ripple effects from classrooms to state budgets and even higher education. According to an official release, the Department’s August 21 announcement centers on “equitable service school choice”—building on recent legislative changes to provide more ways for families to select the best educational fit for their children.

This comes on the heels of historic developments driven by President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which overhauled federal education law this summer and set t...

Big news out of Washington this week: the Department of Education has officially rescinded its 2015 guidance on how schools provide services to English language learners. This affects more than five million students nationwide who rely on targeted support to succeed in classrooms where English isn’t their first language. In a statement to ABC News, the department said the old guidance was “overly prescriptive” and that states are “best equipped to determine how best to educate these students while following all applicable federal laws.” Advocates worry this could reduce federal oversight and potentially open the door to inconsistent support—or even discrim...

The U.S. Department of Education is back in the headlines this week after a chaotic summer that saw billions of federal education dollars frozen, leaving schools across the country scrambling and many of our nation’s most vulnerable students and teachers in limbo. The most significant news today: the department’s programmatic review is officially over and those long-delayed funds—amounting to more than $5 billion for Title I, ELL, migrant, and professional development programs—are being released to states at last. While there’s relief, according to Department officials, the impacts of the freeze are still reverberating. Some districts have had t...

The most significant headline from the Department of Education this week: Secretary Linda McMahon announced a sweeping new initiative requiring all colleges and universities to report detailed admissions data by race and sex, aiming for full transparency and compliance with federal bans on race-based preferences. According to Secretary McMahon, this step “will not allow institutions to blight the dreams of students by presuming that their skin color matters more than their hard work and accomplishments.” Beginning this fall, higher ed institutions must submit data on applicants, admits, and enrollees, including academic metrics like GPAs and test scores, all subject to new...

Big headline this week from the U.S. Department of Education: Secretary Linda McMahon launched the Returning Education to the States tour, a 50-state swing to highlight local control and school choice, kicking off in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee. According to the Department’s announcement, McMahon said President Trump entrusted her with a vital mission to return education to the states and to spotlight bold ideas that give families the freedom to choose the educational path that fits their child’s needs.

Alongside that tour, the Department said it is immediately implementing higher education provisions in the recently sign...

The biggest headline from the Department of Education this week: Secretary Linda McMahon has directed the National Center for Education Statistics to begin collecting detailed admissions data from colleges and universities, with the intent to root out race-based preferences and promote what the administration calls “full transparency” in higher education. This move follows the recent Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and growing calls for merit-driven admissions. Secretary McMahon emphasized, “We will not allow institutions to blight the dreams of students by presuming that their skin color matters more than their hard work and accomplishments. The Trump...

The biggest headline out of the Department of Education this week is its fast-moving effort to implement President Trump’s landmark One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping reform that could reshape the nation’s higher education landscape. The Department just announced it’s kicking off two negotiated rulemaking sessions to bring these changes to life, holding its first public hearing on August 7—so the invitation is open now for comments from anyone concerned about student loans or Pell Grants, with new rules targeting these programs front and center.

Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron described the push as an effor...

The Department of Education made national headlines this week as it announced immediate steps to implement President Trump’s new One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a sweeping overhaul of federal higher education policy. Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron stated that this marks “the first step in implementing the President’s historic agenda,” with regulators moving fast to roll out new rules that shift student loan processes, stress college accountability, and promote stronger pathways from school to the workforce. The public can weigh in during a virtual hearing scheduled for September, leading up to a series of rulemaking sessions this fall and winter...

The most significant news this week from the U.S. Department of Education is its bold guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in schools, alongside steps to unlock billions in long-awaited federal funding for districts. On July 22, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon unveiled a new directive encouraging schools to use federal grant dollars to responsibly integrate AI into classrooms, not only to improve educational outcomes but also to cut administrative red tape and personalize learning. According to Secretary McMahon, “Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education and support improved outcomes for learners... By teaching about AI and foundational co...

Listeners, welcome to this week’s major update from the U.S. Department of Education. The biggest headline: Immediate implementation of key higher education changes under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, announced July 18th, is now underway. Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron called this, “a historic win for students, families, and taxpayers,” emphasizing the bill’s simplification of student loan programs, $10.5 billion in emergency Pell Grant funding, investment in short-term job training, and stricter college accountability for student outcomes.

Several new provisions are effective now, impacting everything from income-driven repayment plans to loan availability for part-time...

This week’s most significant headline out of Washington is the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Trump administration to lay off nearly half of the Department of Education’s staff. This move, stemming from the New York v. McMahon case, marks a major step toward the administration’s goal of dramatically shrinking the department. Offices have closed, and education advocates and public school leaders are warning that this could create chaos for schools that rely on federal oversight and support. The legal fight isn’t over yet, but the impact is immediate—reduced capacity means slower response times and more uncerta...

Listeners, the top story from the U.S. Department of Education this week is the Supreme Court’s green light to allow the Trump administration to begin significant layoffs at the Department—potentially cutting around 1,400 jobs starting in August. This move, triggered by an emergency court decision, marks the first tangible step in an ambitious plan to dismantle or dramatically reduce the federal education agency, shifting oversight and decision-making from Washington to the states. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has been blunt about the administration’s motivation, pointing to troubling national statistics—nearly 70% of eighth graders underperforming in reading and math. She says...

This week’s headline from the Department of Education is historic and seismic: the U.S. Supreme Court has granted temporary approval for the Trump administration to move forward with broad layoffs at the Department of Education, potentially slashing around 1,400 jobs as early as August. This is part of a broader effort by President Trump to dramatically downsize the federal agency and shift education decision-making power back to states and parents. According to internal Education Department emails, these reductions are happening just as schools prepare to reopen for the new year, and the legal battle is far from over—further hear...

This week’s top story from the Department of Education is a major development: the Biden-era SAVE student loan repayment plan is officially paused, with the Department set to restart interest accrual for 7.7 million borrowers starting August 1. This move comes after a federal court injunction blocked the plan and the Department’s zero percent interest status for enrolled borrowers. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized that the Department is shifting borrowers to legal, sustainable repayment plans, promising direct outreach to help affected individuals make a smooth transition. The SAVE plan, introduced under the previous administration, offered loan cancellation and zero mont...

The most significant headline from the Department of Education this week is the decision to **withhold more than $6 billion in federal funding** from public schools across the country, a move that has left school districts scrambling to cover costs just weeks before the start of the academic year. According to New America, districts were expecting this payment on July 1, but instead received word that funds from five key programs—including those for migrant education, teacher development, English learners, and student enrichment—are being held pending further review. This abrupt freeze puts afterschool programs, staff hiring, and vital student services at risk...

This week’s top headline from the Department of Education is the unprecedented freeze of billions of dollars in federal grants destined for states and local schools, a move that has sent ripple effects through communities across the country. According to Politico, roughly $5 billion—some estimates reach as high as $6.2 billion—earmarked for essential programs like afterschool activities, teacher training, support for English learners, and education for migrant students has been withheld as the Department undertakes a sweeping review of fiscal 2025 spending. School administrators received word just as the new fiscal year was set to begin, leaving them scrambling to cover...

The big headline from the U.S. Department of Education this week is the nationwide freeze on billions of dollars in federal grant funding for schools. Just one day before funds were expected to hit state and local accounts, the Department notified education agencies across the country that it would pause disbursement while reviewing fiscal year 2025 grant programs. According to information obtained by Politico and confirmed by several state education departments, this puts at risk about $5 billion that supports afterschool programs, teacher training, and migrant education—critical resources for districts serving low-income, multilingual, and high-needs students.

The Department ex...

Listeners, the biggest headline from the Department of Education this week is the Trump administration’s decision to pause over $6 billion in congressionally-appropriated federal funding for educational programs nationwide. This abrupt halt affects grants supporting after-school programs, teacher training, English language learning, and services for migrant and low-income students, just as schools across the country prepare budgets and staffing for the upcoming academic year. According to a Department memo obtained by ABC News, funding earmarked for programs like professional development and after-school enrichment is now under review, with no timeline given for when—or if—these funds will be released.
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Listeners, the headline shaking up education this week: the U.S. Department of Education has frozen more than $5 billion in federal grants, putting critical school funding on hold for states and local school districts nationwide. According to Politico, this sudden pause was communicated to grantees just a day before funds were set to roll out, leaving immediate questions about the fate of afterschool programs, teacher training, and support for migrant and low-income students. New York alone is seeing a freeze of $464 million, affecting everything from English language learning to before- and after-school enrichment, especially in high-poverty districts, as reported by...

This week’s biggest headline from the Department of Education is seismic: the Trump administration has announced it is withholding nearly $7 billion in federal K-12 education funds that states expected to receive on July 1. This freeze impacts essential staffing, teacher training, and numerous services for English learners, migrant children, and after-school programs, with $1.3 billion at risk for enrichment like STEM and college counseling, and almost $900 million for English language support. These dollars, already approved by Congress, are now on hold as the administration reviews whether the programs align with its priorities.

According to Education Week, the White House bu...

The biggest headline from the Department of Education this week is the launch of a nationwide identity validation initiative aiming to combat the alarming rise in student aid fraud. Starting this fall, every applicant to the federal student aid program will undergo enhanced identity verification, a move the Department says is critical to safeguarding both taxpayers and the integrity of college financial assistance. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “When rampant fraud is taking aid away from eligible students, disrupting the operations of colleges, and ripping off taxpayers, we have a responsibility to act.” The changes kick off with temporary veri...

Welcome to the Quiet Please Education Brief, where we connect the dots between policy shifts and real-world classrooms. The week’s biggest headline from the Department of Education is the continued uncertainty swirling around its very existence. As reported by Education Week and ASHA, the department faces mounting pressure after President Trump’s March executive order directing the Secretary of Education to begin the process of dismantling the agency and returning authority to states and local communities. Secretary McMahon, in her Fox News op-ed, outlined a vision for eliminating federal oversight, stating the mandate is to wind down unnecessary regulations, scra...

Welcome to the Education Update, your go-to spot for the latest headlines shaping schools, colleges, and the future of learning in America. This week, the U.S. Department of Education made national news by unveiling a major crackdown on student aid fraud, aiming to protect both students and taxpayers. With identity theft on the rise—fed in part by sophisticated online fraud rings—Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced, “When rampant fraud is taking aid away from eligible students, disrupting the operations of colleges, and ripping off taxpayers, we have a responsibility to act.” Starting this summer, colleges must validate the iden...

This week’s biggest headline from the Department of Education is a historic leadership shake-up: Lindsey Burke, a prominent education policy expert and Project 2025 author, has been appointed as deputy chief of staff for policy and programs. Burke’s arrival signals the administration’s commitment to a sweeping overhaul of federal education, including converting major funding streams for low-income and special education students into flexible block grants to states, and potentially even to parents, to use outside of traditional public schools. This vision aligns closely with key priorities from the controversial Project 2025 agenda—a document that many experts say could dramatic...

It’s Monday, June 16, 2025, and this week’s top education headline comes straight from Washington: The U.S. Department of Education has announced sweeping new identity validation requirements for federal student aid applicants, aiming to tackle a surge in sophisticated fraud that has threatened to divert millions from legitimate students. Starting with the summer term and accelerating this fall, colleges must verify the identity of certain first-time applicants, with a permanent, more robust screening system arriving for the 2025-26 academic year. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon put it plainly: “When rampant fraud is taking aid away from eligible students, disrupting the op...

Welcome to the Weekly Education Watch, where we break down the latest headlines shaping American schools and colleges. The top story this week: The U.S. Department of Education has announced sweeping new identity validation processes to fight student aid fraud, aiming to protect both students and taxpayers as we approach the fall 2025 semester. According to Secretary Linda McMahon, “When rampant fraud is taking aid away from eligible students, disrupting the operations of colleges, and ripping off taxpayers, we have a responsibility to act.” This interim policy will require colleges to verify the identity of some first-time federal aid applicants this...

This week’s biggest headline from the Department of Education is the announcement of sweeping new measures to combat identity theft and fraud in federal student aid. Secretary Linda McMahon unveiled a nationwide effort launching this fall to protect taxpayers and legitimate students, following alarming data showing sophisticated fraud rings increasingly targeting student assistance programs. Starting immediately, colleges will be required to validate the identities of certain first-time applicants enrolled this summer, with a permanent screening process for every FAFSA applicant coming in the new academic year. McMahon summed up the urgency, stating, “When rampant fraud is taking aid away from...

Welcome to your weekly education update, where we break down the latest news from the U.S. Department of Education and what it means for you. This week’s headline is the rollout of new identity validation processes designed to combat student aid fraud nationwide, a move that could affect millions of students and families as the fall 2025 semester approaches. The Department says this nationwide effort aims to eliminate identity theft and fraud in federal student aid programs, protecting taxpayer dollars while streamlining how aid is administered. Secretary Linda McMahon stated, “Protecting the integrity of our student aid system is esse...

Welcome to the Education Brief, where we break down the latest news from the U.S. Department of Education and what it means for you. This week’s biggest headline: The Department is launching sweeping new identity validation measures to crack down on student aid fraud starting this fall. After a surge in sophisticated identity theft cases siphoning off federal aid, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced, “When rampant fraud is taking aid away from eligible students, disrupting the operations of colleges, and ripping off taxpayers, we have a responsibility to act.” In the short term, colleges are now required to val...

# Department of Education This Week

Welcome to the Education Pulse podcast! I'm your host, bringing you the latest from the U.S. Department of Education.

Our top story: The Trump administration has appointed Lindsey Burke, a conservative policy expert from the Heritage Foundation, as the department's deputy chief of staff for policy and programs. This is particularly noteworthy because Burke authored the Education Department chapter of Project 2025, which called for closing down the very department she'll now help lead. Burke also advocated for sweeping changes to higher education policy, from privatizing student loans to rolling back...

This week’s biggest headline from the U.S. Department of Education is its recognition of June as “Title IX Month,” commemorating the fifty-third anniversary of the landmark civil rights law that prohibited sex-based discrimination in schools. With this move, the Department aims to refocus Title IX on protecting women’s educational opportunities and reverse what officials call a “legacy of undermining” Title IX in recent years. Throughout June, expect spotlights on new actions designed to bolster protections for women and roll out investigations into institutions where compliance is in question.

The Office for Civil Rights has already launched hig...

Welcome to “Education in Focus,” your go-to podcast for the latest in education policy and what it means for Americans everywhere. Our top headline this week: The U.S. Department of Education has officially designated June as “Title IX Month,” spotlighting over five decades of progress in advancing gender equity in schools. Secretary Linda McMahon marked the launch with a visit to Massapequa High School, emphasizing that “This month, we honor the strides made in educational access and fairness, while recommitting to ensuring every student’s rights are protected.” The department is rolling out a summer awareness campaign and new resources to h...

# Department of Education Weekly Briefing

Welcome to this week's Education Update podcast! I'm your host, bringing you the latest developments from the Department of Education.

The biggest headline this week: A federal judge has halted the Trump administration's attempt to drastically reduce the Department of Education's workforce. Judge Myong Joun issued a court order that temporarily reversed the reduction in force that had cut the agency's staff from 4,133 to approximately 2,183 employees. The judge stated that gutting the department would lead to "irreparable harm" affecting financial certainty, access to vital knowledge, and essential services for vulnerable student...

Welcome to the Education Now podcast, your source for the latest updates shaping America’s schools, colleges, and education policy. The top headline this week: a federal judge has blocked efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education, issuing a preliminary injunction and halting sweeping staff layoffs and the planned closure of the department.

This stunning development follows rapid moves by the administration to lay off more than half of the department’s workforce in a bid for efficiency. The cuts affected vital programs, including Title I grants for low-income schools. But a coalition of Demo...

# THE EDUCATION BRIEF

*Music intro*

Welcome to The Education Brief. I'm your host, bringing you the latest from the Department of Education on this May 28th, 2025.

Our top story this week: Secretary Linda McMahon has announced a $60 million funding increase for the Charter Schools Program, bringing significant changes to the educational landscape as National Charter Schools Week wrapped up earlier this month.

This boost to charter school funding aligns with Secretary McMahon's recently released discretionary grant priorities, which focus on evidence-based literacy, expanding education choice, and returning education to the states. These...

The top story from the Department of Education this week: a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping effort to dismantle the Department itself by firing thousands of its employees. The administration had claimed the mass terminations were about efficiency, but the court found the real aim was to fulfill President Trump’s campaign promise to shutter the agency—something that can’t happen without Congress. Judge Myong Joun wrote that the evidence “abundantly reveals” the true intention was to “effectively dismantle the Department without an authorizing statute,” and ordered the department to reinstate employees terminated since January to restore servi...

# Department of Education Weekly Roundup: May 21, 2025

HOST: Welcome to this week's Education Update. I'm your host, and today we're covering the most significant developments from the U.S. Department of Education.

The biggest headline this week: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has announced a historic $60 million increase in funding for charter schools, raising the Charter Schools Program's total budget to $500 million for fiscal year 2025.

SECRETARY MCMAHON (VOICEOVER): "Not only are we proposing a future $60 million increase in the program budget, but we are also dedicating an additional $60 million in this year's funding. With more...

Welcome to Education Update, your weekly briefing on the U.S. Department of Education’s biggest news. The headline this week: Secretary Linda McMahon has announced an immediate $60 million boost in federal funding for the Charter Schools Program, bringing this year’s charter initiative to its largest budget yet. According to Secretary McMahon, “This investment affirms our commitment to expanding high-quality educational options for families nationwide, empowering school communities to innovate and excel.” This move comes as National Charter Schools Week ends, signaling robust federal support for charter school growth and new grant opportunities.

It’s not all about expa...

Welcome to Education Update, where we break down the latest developments from the Department of Education and what they mean for your community. This week’s headline: the Department is putting colleges and universities on notice—institutions that receive federal funds must step up efforts to help struggling student loan borrowers before June 30, 2025.

In a letter to higher education institutions, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona urged schools to proactively contact all former students who owe federal student loans and aren’t in deferment or forbearance. The message: borrowers need to be reminded of their repayment responsibilities and get suppor...

Welcome to the Education Update podcast, where we break down the latest news shaping learning across America. The biggest headline this week? The Trump administration has proposed a sweeping 15.3% cut to the Department of Education’s budget for fiscal year 2026. That would mark one of the largest single-year reductions in recent memory and sends shockwaves through schools, colleges, and families nationwide.

Let’s dive into what this means. First, the Administration argues these cuts are part of a broader push to empower parents, states, and local communities, a vision detailed in a recent executive order that also directs the...

The Department of Education’s biggest headline this week: the immediate termination of the 2020-2025 Ready to Learn grant, a move that’s sending shockwaves through the educational and public broadcasting communities. This decision means PBS and 44 public media stations across 28 states and D.C. have been ordered to stop work on all Ready to Learn projects, a program that, for three decades, has delivered beloved shows like “Sesame Street” and “Molly of Denali” to millions of American children. Just last year, Ready to Learn content reached 1.8 billion video streams, 27.6 million game plays, and over 10 million TV viewers. For many families, es...

This week’s most significant headline out of the U.S. Department of Education is the department’s strong reminder to colleges and universities: help student loan borrowers who are struggling to get back on track. Following the May 5 restart of collections on defaulted federal student loans—paused since the pandemic began in 2020—the Department issued new guidance for higher education institutions, urging them to ensure borrowers are fully informed about their repayment options and responsibilities. With approximately 5 million borrowers already in default and another 4 million dangerously close, the stakes are high, as up to 10 million Americans could soon see serious...

Welcome to the Education Update podcast, where we break down this week’s most important developments from the U.S. Department of Education and analyze what they mean for you and your community. The biggest story this week: President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal calls for slashing the Department of Education’s funding by over 15 percent, a move that aligns with the administration’s ongoing push to wind down the agency and shift more authority to states. Some existing grant programs would end entirely, and management of student aid programs like Federal Work-Study would largely become a state responsibility. While th...

# EDUCATION WEEK PODCAST SCRIPT

Welcome to Education Week, your weekly briefing on the latest from the Department of Education. I'm your host, bringing you the most significant developments from Washington.

The Department of Education has just restarted collections on defaulted student loans, affecting over 5 million borrowers who now risk having their benefits and wages garnished. This move comes as the Trump administration works to dismantle the Education Department and roll back many of former President Biden's loan forgiveness policies. An additional 4 million borrowers in "late-stage delinquency" could soon face similar consequences.

If you're unsure...

This week, the biggest headline from the Department of Education is the historic move to begin the process of shutting down the agency itself. On March 20, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities,” directing the Secretary of Education to start taking steps towards closing the Department. Secretary Linda McMahon called this “a history-making action” that will “free future generations of American students and forge opportunities for their success.” She emphasized that, “We are sending education back to the states where it so rightly belongs,” pledging that the transition will continue to support K-12 stu...

Welcome to today’s episode, where we break down the top stories from the Department of Education with fresh analysis and real-world impact. The headline grabbing the most attention this week: the US Department of Education announced it will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans starting May 5th, marking the end of a pause that began back in March 2020. More than 7 million borrowers have loans in default, so this move directly affects millions of Americans, with ripple effects for families, businesses, and the economy at large. Department officials stress that support resources will be available for those struggling to re...

Welcome back to “Education in Focus,” where we break down what’s happening in the world of U.S. education policy and why it matters for you. The headline grabbing national attention this week: the Department of Education is set to resume collections on defaulted federal student loans starting May 5th, ending a pause that's been in place since March 2020. This move will directly affect millions of borrowers who’ve had a temporary reprieve, signaling a significant shift back to pre-pandemic enforcement. Department officials state that these actions come alongside new resources to help struggling borrowers get current and avoid deeper f...

This week’s biggest headline from the Department of Education is the historic push to close the agency itself—a move escalating sharply under President Trump’s recent executive order. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has begun downsizing at an unprecedented speed, laying off more than half of the department’s staff and canceling nearly $900 million in research contracts. Grant programs for teacher preparation have been frozen, and extensions for previous federal COVID-19 education funds have been reversed, all as part of the administration’s sweeping effort to transfer federal education authority back to states and local communities.

The center...

This week’s headline from the Department of Education takes center stage: legislation to abolish the Department has officially been introduced in Congress. Senator Mike Rounds’ *Returning Education to Our States Act*, coupled with President Trump’s recent executive order, aims to eliminate the agency and shift control entirely to the states. Proponents argue this would streamline education funding and empower local communities with decision-making power, all while saving an estimated $2.2 billion annually. But critics, including education advocates, warn that dismantling federal oversight could exacerbate inequities, with significant risks for vulnerable students relying on Title I funding and other essential progra...

Welcome to this week’s episode of "Education Nation," where we dive into the latest updates from the Department of Education. Our top story this week: the department has announced plans to overhaul key student aid programs through negotiated rulemaking. This move aims to address concerns around the cost of college and simplify the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron stated that the process is designed to eliminate unnecessary red tape and enhance federal aid systems to better serve students and public-service workers.

So, what does this mean for you? If you’re a pu...

The latest from the U.S. Department of Education is making waves across the country as states and schools respond to new controversial directives. This week, the department, under Education Secretary Linda McMahon, issued a deadline extension to April 24 for states to certify compliance with federal antidiscrimination laws. This certification mandates school districts to disavow practices promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) deemed by the federal government as violating civil rights laws. Schools that do not comply could face litigation or loss of federal funding. While Puerto Rico has already complied, other states are pushing back. Democratic-led regions and the...

This week’s top education headline is a bombshell: President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. This move, aiming to shift educational control back to states and local communities, has sparked fiery debates and nationwide protests. Students, educators, and lawmakers are rallying against what they view as a devastating blow to public education and equitable access to resources.

The executive order, titled “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities,” directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to coordinate the department's closure “to the maximum extent permitted by law.” Mc...

**Podcast Script: Latest Developments at the Department of Education**

This week, the Department of Education made headlines as President Trump signed an executive order directing the agency to begin dismantling its functions, with plans to eliminate it entirely by 2026 if Congress approves. The order, titled "Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities," accelerates a long-standing GOP goal to shrink federal influence in education. Secretary Linda McMahon clarified that while full abolition requires congressional action, the administration can immediately transfer key programs—like IDEA and student loans—to other agencies, such as Health and Human Services and the...

Welcome back to another episode of "Education Today," where we break down the latest developments in U.S. education policy and what they mean for you. Our top story this week: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education “to the maximum extent appropriate." This bold move, led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, has sparked intense debate about the future of federal education oversight.

The executive order, announced last week, calls for reallocating key functions such as Pell Grants, Title I funding for low-income schools, and special education resources to...

Welcome to this week's Department of Education update. Our top story: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has announced the Department's plans to initiate a reduction in force, impacting nearly 50% of its workforce. This move comes as part of the Department's "final mission" following President Trump's executive order to return power over education to states and local communities.

The executive order, signed on March 20th, directs the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education. Secretary McMahon stated, "Closing the Department of Education would provide children and their families the...

Welcome to this week's Education Department update. Our top story: President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at closing the Department of Education and returning control over education to states and local communities.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, "We are sending education back to the states where it so rightly belongs." The order directs the Secretary to take steps to facilitate the department's closure and return authority over education to states, while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of services and benefits.

This marks a significant shift in federal education policy. The administration argues the department has...

Welcome to this week's Department of Education update. Our top story: President Trump has signed an executive order directing the closure of the Department of Education "to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law." This historic move aims to return control of education to states and local communities.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, "Today's Executive Order is a history-making action by President Trump to free future generations of American students and forge opportunities for their success. We are sending education back to the states where it so rightly belongs."

The order follows recent actions...

Welcome to this week's Education Update. Our top story: The Department of Education has announced a massive reduction in force, impacting nearly 50% of its workforce.

On March 11th, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon revealed that approximately 1,950 employees have been cut since January 20th, with 1,400 non-voluntary layoffs taking effect on March 21st. This move aligns with the Trump administration's goal of dismantling the department, as outlined in recent executive orders.

Despite these cuts, McMahon assures that core functions will continue, stating, "We will continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency's purview, including...

Welcome to this week's Department of Education update. The big headline: Secretary Linda McMahon announced a massive reduction in force, impacting nearly 50% of the department's workforce.

This unprecedented move comes as part of the Trump administration's efforts to drastically reduce the federal role in education. Affected staff will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21st. Secretary McMahon stated, "Today's reduction reflects our commitment to efficiency and ensuring resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers."

The department will continue delivering statutory programs like formula funding, student loans, and Pell Grants. However...

Welcome to this week's Education Department update. The big headline: Nearly half of the Department of Education's workforce has been laid off as part of a major restructuring effort.

Secretary Linda McMahon announced the reduction in force, calling it a "significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system." The cuts impact about 2,000 employees across all divisions.

This move aligns with the Trump administration's goal of dramatically shrinking the federal role in education. Officials say the department will continue administering key programs like student loans and Pell Grants, but with a leaner staff.<...

Welcome to this week's Department of Education update. Our top story: The department has initiated a massive reduction in force, cutting nearly 50% of its workforce. Secretary Linda McMahon called it a "significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system."

This move aligns with the Trump administration's goal of dramatically shrinking the federal role in education. The cuts impact all divisions, with some facing significant reorganization. McMahon emphasized that statutory programs like formula funding and student loans will continue.

In related news, 21 Democratic state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit challenging the staff...

Welcome to this week's Department of Education update. The big headline: Nearly half of the Education Department's workforce was laid off this week as part of a major restructuring effort.

On Tuesday, the department announced it would cut over 1,300 positions and terminate several office leases across the country. This follows President Trump's executive order last month directing the agency to prepare for a potential complete shutdown.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the layoffs a "first step" toward abolishing the department, should Congress approve such a move. The cuts hit some divisions harder than others. The Office...

Welcome to this week's Department of Education update. The big headline: The Department is slashing its workforce by nearly half, with over 1,300 jobs on the chopping block.

Secretary Linda McMahon announced the cuts, saying they reflect a commitment to efficiency and directing resources where they matter most - to students, parents, and teachers. This move aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to reduce the federal workforce.

In other news, the Department is taking swift action to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Hundreds of guidance documents and training materials mentioning DEI have been removed or...