NPR is reporting that corporal punishment remains legal in some American public schools, with NPR Ed's Kadin Mills detailing the perspectives of a psychologist who supports its use in Oklahoma and a child developmental psychologist in Canada who argues it fosters dishonesty. The report included accounts from school officials and a parent who regretted choosing paddling over suspension for her son.
The outlet also said that recent college graduates, like Jacqueline Kline from Florida State University, are finding job searches challenging and suspect artificial intelligence plays a role. NPR contributor Lee Gaines explored this issue with economists. Separately, NPR's 1A discussed AI's impact on education with students and teachers, noting ChatGPT's new version for teens. A Yale researcher, whose federal funding was previously canceled, may find new opportunities through the Donald J Trump administration's $5 billion Genesis Mission for AI research.
NPR Ed's Jonaki Mehta reported on concerns among adults with disabilities, such as siblings Cody and Kaleigh Brendle, that their rights are fraying. The Donald J Trump administration has ceased enforcing the integration mandate, which ensures community-based services over institutionalization, while Republican-led states are challenging this mandate in court.
Additionally, NPR Ed's Elissa Nadworny reported that groups are suing the Donald J Trump administration over a new rule that limits foreign students and journalists to four-year stays in the U.S. unless they apply for an extension. The lawsuit alleges the government did not follow proper procedures.
In other news, Michaeleen Doucleff reported for NPR that modern children's snacking habits have worsened, with many consuming ultraprocessed foods up to three times daily. NPR's Rob Stein also unpacked new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing an increase in parents opting their children out of childhood vaccines.
NPR's Hansi Lo Wang reported that New Hampshire has joined several states in banning student IDs for voting, a move advocates worry will disenfranchise young voters like Dartmouth College student Lia Symer. Separately, Sydney Roach of NPR member station WPSU reported on a drug trafficking ring at Penn State, where one parent and 13 former students were arrested for allegedly distributing cocaine, with fraternity pledges involved in packaging.
Finally, NPR announced a new podcasting contest for seniors aged 65 and older, inspired by its Student Podcast Challenge, offering winners a trip to NPR headquarters and a chance to have their story air live on Weekend Edition.