AI in schools: Illinois education officials released a 400-page framework to guide teachers on responsible classroom AI use, stressing local decision-making and student relationships. Higher ed AI rules: The University of Chicago is banning phones and computers for first-year law students to curb shortcut learning while still teaching proper AI use. Admissions equity: NYC’s specialized high schools again offered few seats to Black and Latino students, with Black students receiving just 3.5% of offers. Student safety policy: The U.S. Department of Education launched a national K-12 initiative to protect students from adult sexual predators, opening directed investigations into districts’ handling of staff misconduct. Classroom infrastructure: Philippines DepEd says it’s tightening oversight of localized classroom building partnerships with 168 LGUs to ensure quality and safety. Nigeria school kidnapping rescue: Nigeria’s president announced the rescue of 5 teachers and 39 students from Oyo after 56 days, with arrests made and no ransom paid reported. Teacher misconduct case: A Plano ISD teacher was arrested and charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child, with allegations tied to actions at his desk. Scholarships & student support: A new Hamir Family Scholarship funded $50,000 for Girl Scouts entering college, while Sumter County schools will offer free meals to all students in 2026–27.