West

FBI raid involving LA schools superintendent possibly tied to failed $6M AI deal, potential conflict

Published

6 days ago

February 28, 2026

FBI raid involving LA schools superintendent possibly tied to failed M AI deal, potential conflict

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The federal investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, whose home and school office were raided Wednesday, may be tied to a failed multimillion-dollar AI school contract involving a potential conflict of interest.

Alberto Carvalho previously awarded a $6 million contract, paying $3 million up front, to education technology company AllHere.

A former salesperson employed by the firm also had her Miami property raided the same day as Carvalho, according to public records cited by the Los Angeles Times. The woman, Debra Kerr, reportedly had close ties to Carvalho during his tenure leading Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Spokesperson Jim Marshall confirmed to local media Miami Herald that “we searched a residence in Southwest Ranches today as part of this matter and have since cleared the scene.”

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho speaks during an event at the LAUSD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles on October 30, 2025. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

In 2023, Carvalho secured a contract with AllHere to develop an AI chatbot called “Ed,” designed to help address student issues such as absenteeism.

It ultimately collapsed in 2024 after its founder, Joanna Smith-Griffi, was accused of embezzling funds amid data privacy risks and whistleblower concerns. She was later charged with securities fraud, wire fraud and identity theft.

Kerr further claimed in AllHere’s bankruptcy court filings that the company owed her commissions for helping secure its deal with LAUSD, according to education-focused outlet The 74.

While federal officials confirmed that search warrants were conducted Wednesday, they declined to reveal the nature of the investigation, noting that the warrants remain under seal.

Federal officials appear to carry cardboard outside a home in California. (KTTV)

However, sources told the LA Times that the investigation fell under the broad category of financial issues, and that the raid focused on Carvalho rather than the California school district.

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LAUSD released a statement saying the district is fully cooperating with federal officials.

“The LAUSD Board of Education understands that today’s news has raised questions across our school communities,” it said.

“The Board’s priority remains ensuring that our students, families, and employees experience a safe and welcoming learning environment. Teaching and learning continue across our schools. Los Angeles Unified continues to stay focused on our responsibility to serve students and our families.”

The superintendent has led the nation’s second-largest school district since 2022, overseeing the education of roughly 400,000 students. He was also unanimously reappointed to the position in September 2025.

Before moving to California, he spent 14 years leading Miami‑Dade County Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest school district.

The home of Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is located in San Pedro, California. (KTTV)

Wednesday’s raids mark the latest controversy to engulf Carvalho.

In 2020, he helped secure a $1.57 million donation from a company that had a pending contract with the district, the Miami Herald reported.

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FBI agents appear to conduct a search warrant at a San Pedro home connected to Alberto Carvalho. (KTTV)

The funds reportedly went to an education nonprofit he founded, and the company’s online learning program, which was ultimately plagued with problems, was quickly scrapped.

In June 2021, the school’s inspector general determined that the donation, intended to benefit teachers, did not violate any policies but created the “appearance of impropriety,” the outlet said. The foundation was subsequently urged to return the funds, which reportedly had been distributed to teachers as $100 gift certificates.

Bonny Chu is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital.

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Related Topics:California corruption crime education high school

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Hawaii

NJ’s Jake Thistle to be featured on ‘American Idol’ Hawaii episode

Published

23 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

NJ’s Jake Thistle to be featured on ‘American Idol’ Hawaii episode

Aloha, New Jersey.

Asbury Park rocker Jake Thistle will be featured on the Monday, March 9 episode of “American Idol.” It’s the ‘Ohana Round episode, which will have the Top 30 hopefuls performing for industry tastemakers as well as peers, family members and friends at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii.

Jacquie Lee of Colts Neck is also in the Top 30.

The tastemakers include social media personalities Kaniyia Brown and Terry McCaskill; dancer Sasha Farber; musician Anthony Gargiula; actress Loren Gray; singer Cheryl Porter; Grand Ole Opry announcer Kelly Sutton; and Rolling Stone editor Shirley Halperin, an East Brunswick native.

Thistle sang an earnest and soulful version of Sam Fender’s “Seventeen Going Under” on the Thursday, Feb. 23 Hollywood Week episode.

Lionel Richie said “I like him” after he pumped his fist during the rendition.

“You’re so ready for this,” said Luke Bryan of Thistle.

Music legends Lyle Lovett with John Hiatt are also fans of Thistle, a Paramus native.

“We’ve know Jake since he was a youngster and we’ve watched him grow and if you ever get a chance to hear Jake thistle play you will be glad you did,” said Lovett Wednesday, Match 4 from the stage of the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.

Thistle thanked the music stars on social media.

“Both of them have been hugely important to my development as a songwriter and musician, and I was honored they took the time!” Thistle said.

The 21-year old has been a regular on Asbury Park stages and Bruce Springsteen-related shows in the area. Thistle has even shared the same stage as the Boss.

“American Idol” airs 8 p.m. Mondays on ABC and subsequently streams on Hulu.

Subscribe to app.com for the latest on the New Jersey music scene.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at cjordan@app.com

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Idaho

Lewiston advances to title game of Idaho Class 5A boys basketball stat…

Published

29 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Lewiston advances to title game of Idaho Class 5A boys basketball stat…

The Bengals held off the Wildcats in a game played at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.

With the win, Lewiston (22-3) earned a spot in the 5A championship game, scheduled for 5 p.m. PST Saturday at the Idaho Center. The Bengals will play the winner of today’s other semifinal game between Bishop Kelly and Preston.

Lewiston will try to capture its first boys basketball state title since 2009.

This story will be updated.

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Montana

Montana State announces spring football schedule; Nolan Askelson joins coaching staff

Published

2 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Montana State announces spring football schedule; Nolan Askelson joins coaching staff

BOZEMAN — Montana State will begin spring football practices March 24.

The reigning national champion Bobcats will hold 12 practices, two scrimmages and the Sonny Holland Spring Classic over the course of five weeks. The Sonny Holland Spring Classic is scheduled for Saturday, April 25.

Also on the schedule is the MSU Pro Day, which will be held April 2.

In addition to releasing the spring practice schedule, Montana State confirmed the addition of Nolan Askelson to the coaching staff. Askelson, a Billings Senior High School alum, will be an assistant defensive line coach for Bobby Daly, who is returning as Montana State’s defensive coordinator after spending last season at UTEP.

Askelson was a standout linebacker for the Bobcats, capping his MSU career with first-team All-Big Sky Conference honors in 2023. He played in four games as a true freshman in 2018 before becoming a regular rotation player in 2019. An injury shortened his 2021 season, but he played 11 games in 2022 and finished with 64 tackles.

As a senior in 2023, Askelson wore Montana State’s legacy No. 41 jersey and led the team with 84 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss and two sacks.

In high school, he was a two-time all-state selection for Senior and helped the Broncs win Class AA state championships in 2016 and 2017.

Montana State spring football schedule

Tuesday, March 24 — Practice, 7:05 a.m.

Thursday, March 26 — Practice, 7:05 a.m.

Friday, March 27 — Practice, 7:05 a.m.

Monday, March 30 — Practice, 7:05 a.m.

Wednesday, April 1 — Practice, 7:05 a.m.

Thursday, April 2 — Pro Day (no practice)

Friday, April 3 — Practice, 7:05 a.m.

Saturday, April 4 — Practice, 10:05 a.m.

Tuesday, April 7 — Practice, 7:05 a.m.