Teacher Workforce & Local Challenges: Prescott Unified School District is leaning on its small-district community feel while working to recruit and retain strong educators amid local economic pressures. Higher Ed & AI Career Anxiety: New reporting finds college students are scrambling to pick “future-proof” majors as AI reshapes entry-level skills, pushing schools to teach AI literacy and employers’ needs. College Affordability: With federal Graduate PLUS phased out for new borrowers, grad students are increasingly turning to private loans—often with fewer protections. Back-to-School Costs: Families are feeling the squeeze as extracurricular spending rises; budgeting tips focus on sports and fees that can add up fast. School Meals: Lewistown Public Schools highlights breakfast and lunch participation, encouraging families to apply for free or reduced meals to unlock grants. Immigration & Tuition: Undocumented students in New York fear a federal lawsuit could strip in-state tuition benefits and end their college plans. Afghanistan Anniversary: Five years after the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan’s economy is recovering but humanitarian needs remain massive, with ongoing border clashes. Weather Watch: NOAA warns a very strong El Niño could make winter conditions more chaotic, with knock-on effects for U.S. regions. Community Grants: Tanger Outlets Houston is opening applications for its TangerKids Grants Program to fund classroom and school needs. Student Demographics (Texas): Texas Education Agency enrollment snapshots show wide variation by district, including very small counts in some rural areas and large Hispanic majorities in others.