Right now, our youth are virtually ignorant of the American story. According to the most recent data from the Nation’s Report Card (NAEP), students know almost nothing about the nation’s founding.

On the last National History exam in 2022, only 13% of eighth graders scored proficient. Roughly 40% scored below the NAEP basic level in U.S. history — the lowest performance category.

Glenn Beck is deeply concerned about these numbers.

“We are raising a generation that cannot explain the country they’re standing in,” he laments.

But that’s not even close to the biggest threat facing our young people.

“It’s not just the [American] story that is thinning out,” sighs Glenn. “It is everything that used to hold a person in place.”

Stories, family, friendship, and church, he argues, are all vital to the human spirit. But these cornerstones have been slowly crumbling with each generation. Today, much of the country struggles with “loneliness” — a condition that has become so rampant, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy declared it an “epidemic” in 2023.

“Try to hold all of that in your head at once and then say, ‘What do you think’s happening to our kids?’” says Glenn. “No shared story, emptied out churches, emptied out clubs, a friendship drought, a loneliness the doctors are calling a health emergency. Now picture being born into that.”

“You don’t even know where you are. You have no map. You have no name for who your people are. There’s no seat saved at any table for you. You just have a screen in your hand and a thousand strangers glad to tell you who you ought to be. That’s the ground our kids are standing on,” he continues.

Kids, he argues, come into the world not knowing who they are. Slowly, over time, they develop an identity “piece by piece” based on “whatever is reflected back at them.”

But what’s reflected back at them today is largely determined by screens controlled by algorithms designed to mold and condition.

“Some of the voices reaching your kids, they are not random, OK? You’ve got people who know exactly what they’re doing. They have a vision for who your kid should become,” Glenn warns.

These visions are often incredibly alluring to the floundering youngster.

Glenn imagines a young child still in his most formative years “swimming … in an ocean of a thousand voices,” desperately trying to nail down his identity.

“And then one of those voices steps forward and offers the whole package: Finished identity. Here’s who you are; here’s your people; here’s your club; here’s what you stand for,” he visualizes.

This promise of “finally becoming someone” is “the hook” that so many children fall prey to today.

“When a kid feels invisible, a ready-made identity stops becoming attractive and becomes irresistible because they’re looking for a shore,” says Glenn.

It’s the job of parents to provide them with a different shore.

Glenn has two pieces of advice.

“Give them a place where they belong … where they can sit and disagree, and it’s allowed,” he says, highlighting how so many of the poisonous movements kids get swept up in today demand absolute conformity as a prerequisite for admission.

“If the only place you’re offering your kid belonging is a place that demands their silence, they will pay that price,” Glenn cautions, “and when they’re hurting, when they’ve gone quiet and pulled away … that’s the moment to move towards them because somebody’s going to fill that void in your kid.”

His second encouragement is to “tell them about the trap.”

“[Tell them] if anyone ever tells you that you have to stop doubting in order to belong, run — run from them. If they promise that they will transform you, and all that you have to do for payment is be compliant, that’s the tell,” Glenn urges.

The key, he says, isn’t creating the perfect bubble to shield them from the world’s dangers. The key is “[making] sure that when they walk out your door, their eyes are wide open, and they have a home worth coming back to.”

To hear more, watch the video above.

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Google believes there is a place for artificial intelligence in filmmaking, and it is willing to put its money where its mouth is.

Google’s DeepMind AI unit will partner with an emerging movie studio that will be risking its reputation by inviting such a tech monster into its halls.

‘We think there are better uses.’

A24, the studio behind “Backrooms” — a 2026 horror film that fueled grassroots excitement — has accepted a gigantic $75 million injection from Google’s AI sector.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the partnership is not to make AI films or generate likeness of actors (as of right now); rather it will make use of AI in a way that is less intrusive on the viewer.

“We think there are better uses that preserve creative control and support risk-taking,” said Scott Belsky, a partner in A24.

Belsky revealed that the studio will lean into AI tools instead, because filmmakers have not been fond of the attempts by developers to push AI use to make movies faster and cheaper.

The new tools “won’t look anything like the prompted generation type of AI that people feel uncomfortable with,” Belsky added.

However, a certain element of artists will likely be on the chopping block as A24 Labs is developing an application for AI-generated storyboards.

RELATED: It only took weeks for AI usage to break the corporate piggy bank

Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

A24 Labs, a team of about 20, is tasked with replacing the roughly-drawn movie scenes that directors use to map out sets and different shoots.

Moreover, Reuters reported that the studio and Google will collaborate on research and development projects that will make new workflows. However, filmmakers are to retain full creative control, and the deal does not include intellectual property or data training.

The terms make sense given the growing disdain for AI animation and film that has been seen when big companies put out projects using the technology.

Coca-Cola and McDonald’s both saw huge blowback from AI-generated Christmas commercials in 2025, and unique artistic perspectives are what have made A24 an emerging favorite for so many.

RELATED: Microsoft says business must pay to use its AI — and eyes cheap Chinese model for lowly consumers

“Backrooms” opened to an astounding $81 million opening in late May, which led to a total of $175 million domestically at the time of this writing.

This came off of just a $10 million budget. Movie lovers created a lot of buzz before the film’s release for its unique take stemming from a simple concept first developed on the anonymous message board 4chan.

Non-recycled, anti-industry films are what people like most about A24, and integrating big AI into its studio is an obvious big risk.

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Federal prosecutors released new details in the child porn arrest of a drag queen founder of a Pride group in central New York, and they are very disturbing.

Travis J. Longo, 46, of Cazenovia had been arrested over an alleged “pattern” of sexually explicit communications to a child under 12 years old, as previously reported by Blaze News.

‘Drag is all about tearing down social norms. None of it is real.’

Police initially released few details in the case, but a federal criminal complaint reveals the disgusting content allegedly found on Longo’s iPhone 17 Pro Max.

One photo of child sex abuse material was found that involved a child between 5 and 7 years, and three videos were found that involved infants, according to WSTM-TV.

Investigators also found chat messages on his phone where Longo admitted to others that he was sexually interested in children, including a male child he knew personally.

Longo was elected to the Cazenovia School District Board of Education in 2024 and was praised by LGBTQ+ supporters for being one of the first open drag queens to be elected into office.

He was initially charged with four misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child and was later charged with receiving and possessing child pornography. He faces 20 years in prison if convicted for those charges and would also have to register as a sex offender.

Longo founded the Cazenovia Pride group to advocate the LGBTQ+ agenda, but the group has since disbanded and canceled a Pride parade event scheduled for June 27 over the heinous allegations.

The board unanimously voted for Longo to resign and gave him a deadline to do so before it took additional action.

He performed at drag shows under the persona “Anita Buffem” and has an Instagram account under that name with dozens of posts.

RELATED: California city mayor pro tem calls for end of Pride Month observation, and outrage ensues

In Nov. 2025, Longo was invited to speak about his drag queen and school board experiences at Colgate University’s Center for Women’s Studies in Hamilton, New York.

“Drag is all about tearing down social norms. None of it is real. We are subscribing to these things, and I find such joy in doing that,” he said at the time.

“I’ve realized these things, being LGBTQ, being ADHD, these things about me my whole life that have been something that makes me feel like I don’t have value, are what make me so valuable,” he is quoted as saying. “I implore younger people to lean into who [they] are.”

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During Father’s Day weekend, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested numerous illegal aliens with prior convictions for violent crimes, including attempted murder and child sexual abuse, according to a Department of Homeland Security press release obtained exclusively by Blaze News.

“While Americans enjoyed Father’s Day weekend, ICE was working around the clock to remove attempted murderers, pedophiles, rapists, arsonists, and other public safety threats from our communities,” DHS acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated.

‘While families across the nation celebrated Father’s Day, DHS honored the fathers, children, and spouses forever changed by violent crimes committed by criminal illegal aliens.’

“We are removing criminals so another family does not have a preventable tragedy,” Bis continued. “Every day, ICE is committed to fighting for the victims of illegal alien crime and their families. They are our why.”

Bis noted that President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin “stand with Angel families.”

The DHS press release highlighted ICE’s capture of 15 illegal immigrants with criminal histories in the United States.

The DHS noted ICE’s arrest of Jose Francisco-Amaya, an illegal alien from Honduras who was previously convicted of attempted homicide in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

RELATED: Illegal alien terrorist crashes car during ICE arrest after taking his wife hostage, feds claim

Jose Francisco-Amaya. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

ICE agents nabbed Daniel Ornelas-Garcia, an illegal alien from Mexico. His criminal history includes convictions for four counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old and annoy/molesting children in Santa Clara, California.

Daniel Ornelas-Garcia. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

Carlos Leonardo Ruiz, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was also arrested by federal agents over the Father’s Day weekend. He was previously convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child in Auburn, California.

Carlos Leonardo Ruiz. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

ICE captured Felipe Roque-Monje, an illegal alien from Mexico who was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old in Pomona, California.

Felipe Roque-Monje. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

Immigration officers caught Osman Lopez-Manzilla, an illegal immigrant from Honduras. He was previously convicted in Bradenton, Florida, for child fondling/lewd or lascivious battery.

Osman Lopez-Manzilla. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

Abulay Nian, an illegal alien from Sierra Leone, was arrested by ICE agents. His criminal history includes a conviction in Delaware, Ohio, for rape, assault, and possession of forged instruments.

Abulay Nian. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

ICE officers captured Eduardo Arce-Aguilar over the weekend. The illegal alien from El Salvador was convicted of forcible sexual abuse in David County, Utah.

Eduardo Arce-Aguilar. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

Federal agents apprehended Alberto Garrido-Maurin, an illegal alien from Cuba. His rap sheet includes convictions for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, fraud, larceny, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and marijuana possession in Detroit, Michigan.

Alberto Garrido-Maurin. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

Kiet Trung Tran, an illegal alien from Vietnam, was detained by ICE. He was previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault in Dallas County, Texas.

Kiet Trung Tran. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

ICE officers captured Khaek Sisavath, an illegal alien from Laos with a prior conviction in St. Louis, Missouri, for robbery, armed criminal action, assault, and arson.

Khaek Sisavath. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

Federal agents arrested Khanh Loc Ngoc Pham, an illegal alien from Vietnam who has numerous convictions in Beverly Hills, California. He was convicted of four counts of forgery, four counts of credit fraud, three counts of possessing counterfeit items with intent to defraud, three counts of burglary, hit-and-run, grand theft, and fake checks.

Khanh Loc Ngoc Pham. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

Dethamongsalk Nouthavykoun, an illegal alien from Laos, was also captured by ICE officers over the weekend. He was previously convicted in Tarrant County, Texas, for aggravated robbery, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful restraint, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place, and vehicle theft.

Dethamongsalk Nouthavykoun. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

ICE arrested Pedro Morales-Varela, an illegal alien from Honduras with prior convictions in Puerto Rico for armed robbery, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Pedro Morales-Varela. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

Federal immigration officers nabbed Orlando Eugenio Parada-Mancia, an illegal alien from El Salvador. He was previously convicted of the distribution of fentanyl in Boston, Massachusetts.

Orlando Eugenio Parada-Mancia. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

ICE also arrested Ramon Sanchez-Morales, an illegal alien from Mexico who had a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Corpus Christi, Texas.

RELATED: Exclusive: ICE arrests illegal aliens convicted of child sex crime, forcible sexual assault, and drug trafficking

Ramon Sanchez-Morales. Image source: Department of Homeland Security

“While families across the nation celebrated Father’s Day, DHS honored the fathers, children, and spouses forever changed by violent crimes committed by criminal illegal aliens,” the DHS press release read.

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A Georgia teacher accused of molesting six high school students allegedly was seen in a cellphone video wearing a “Jesus Loves You” shirt while having sex with a student, newly released warrants reveal.

As Blaze News previously reported, 25-year-old Maris Nichols was arrested May 8. Alexander High School in Douglas County, where Maris was a biology teacher, hired her three years ago.

At least 27 search warrants have been executed in the investigation, and detectives sought evidence from cell phones, Snapchat, Ring camera video, and school-issued technology, WXIA said.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in May that Nichols was hit with 13 charges, including six counts of improper sexual contact, four counts of grooming of a minor for sexual offense, two counts of child molestation, and tampering with evidence.

Nichols was released from jail on a $74,000 bond.

Nichols was arrested a second time on May 21, according to WXIA-TV.

The Times-Georgian reported that a judge ordered Nichols to be held under house arrest except for medical appointments, religious services, and legal consultations. The judge said Nichols also must wear an ankle monitor, undergo a mental evaluation, avoid contact with minors not related to her, and stay away from the school.

Nichols has been accused of committing sex crimes against six alleged victims, all of them teenagers.

WSB-TV said Nichols had sex with students in a classroom, in a closet, and in one student’s truck while parked at a local golf course.

WSB also reported that a warrant was served to collect “genetic evidence and fingerprints” from two teens and obtain surveillance video from St. Andrews Golf Course allegedly showing a “rendezvous” between Nichols and a teen.

The New York Post reported that Nichols “engaged in sexual activity in a Hummer and at a golf course, sent raunchy images to students, and engaged in sexting with teens.”

WANF-TV reported that Nichols had sexual intercourse with a student inside a school closet on April 23 and inside a car on May 2.

Fox News reported that Nichols sent text messages to two male students “describing sex acts she wanted them to perform on her, and sent nude photos to a female student and encouraged her to watch the movie ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.'”

Nichols — a graduate of the evangelical Christian college Liberty University, the Post said — also allegedly wore a “Jesus Loves You” shirt in a video showing her having sex with a student.

WXIA, citing warrants, reported that state investigators downloaded the cell phone of a student who admitted having sex with Nichols and discovered multiple videos on it. WXIA said one of those videos allegedly shows Nichols wearing a light-yellow sweatshirt with the words “Jesus Loves You” across the back “while engaged in a sexual act.”

Investigators added to Atlanta News First that among “inappropriate messages” sent from Nichols’ phone to several students was a “video of the teacher having sex with a student while wearing a sweater that says Jesus loves you.” Atlanta News First said video of those sexual encounters began to circulate among several students.

WSB said a “Jesus Loves You” sweater worn by the teacher in a video showing her having sex with a student was requested in a search warrant.

At least 27 search warrants have been executed in the investigation, and detectives sought evidence from cell phones, Snapchat, Ring camera video, and school-issued technology, WXIA said.

RELATED: Female elementary teacher, 25, turned in by husband for alleged sexual misconduct against underage student: Court docs

In addition, WSB reported that newly filed search warrants suggest some students may have blackmailed Nichols over her allegedly owning and operating an OnlyFans account.

Citing investigators, WAGA-TV indicated students were said to have threatened to expose Nichols’ alleged OnlyFans account unless she gave them favorable grades in her class.

The Douglas County School System said it was “deeply troubled by allegations against an individual associated with one of our schools.”

WAGA previously reported that Nichols also has been a “player personnel director” for the high school football program.

Nichols was not listed Monday among the staff on the high school’s website.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News‘ request for comment.

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The controversy surrounding the recent Los Angeles mayoral election could become one of the most consequential political battles of President Trump’s second term — and BlazeTV host Liz Wheeler believes it’s time for the president to do something about it.

“The Democrats have in a chokehold the election system. They have taken it away. They have stolen the election system from the people, and it is now in their control. So the outcome of these elections is essentially predetermined,” she begins.

And Republicans, Wheeler says, “have a very big, daunting job to clean up our election systems.”

“The American people voted for Trump because they want justice, because we want justice for all of the things that were done to us,” she explains, pointing out that the stolen election in Los Angeles is now a “golden opportunity” for Trump to take action.

“And you should do that because it’s the right thing to do. You should do that because it’s your constitutional duty to make sure that we have free and fair elections,” she adds.

And if Trump does take action after the outcome of the Los Angeles election, Wheeler predicts his base support will “balloon” and “increase exponentially.”

“That energy will come roaring back if you pursue justice in the L.A. elections. What will happen is, you will have enormous midterm turnout because nothing motivates the base like justice does,” she says.

“And this time, this is different than 2020. This time we have actual evidence that crimes were committed. We have evidence of how the Democrats stole this election,” she continues, explaining that there’s proof of election fraud via video.

In the videos, which Wheeler plays, L.A.’s “homeless” tell reporters that they were paid to cast votes for Democrats.

“This is not speculation. The fact that the majority of the fraud that happened happened on Skid Row with these 43,000 drug addicts who the left calls homeless, but we know they’re addicted, most of them,” Wheeler says.

“What the Democrats did and are doing is wrong,” she says, adding, “but it is also a golden opportunity. And for this, Spencer Pratt seems to understand, and I’m very appreciative of that.”

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