VIDEO: Chalkbeat CEO Elizabeth Green on COVID-19 and the future of education journalism

A federal district court judge ordered the restoration of some AmeriCorps staff and funding on July 7. But the group’s work could still be significantly disrupted for some time due to the Trump administration’s attempts to cut its spending.

In a dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the decision ‘indefensible.’ Education Secretary Linda McMahon has said the job cuts are a first step toward eliminating the department, although a legal challenge to the layoffs can continue in the lower courts.

The withheld funds pay for after-school programming, teacher training, and support for English learners. Trump administration officials said the funds are under review due to suspicion they have been ‘grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda.’

Republican Rep. Mark White and Sen. Brent Taylor said the pending $6 million independent financial audit of MSCS will inform their next moves. Both introduced bills to create state-controlled boards in charge of the district that failed this spring.

Studies have consistently found that some artificial food colorings can make some children hyperactive, inattentive, and irritable.

More than 1,450 staff at schools were laid off Friday. Budget documents posted online indicate the school-based workforce could shrink by more than 450 positions.