Sports-and-learning investment: Philippines President Marcos and Education Secretary Sonny Angara inspected the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, pitching elite athletics alongside academic infrastructure to build safer, more supportive school communities. AI in education policy: Illinois released a statewide framework to help districts use AI in classrooms and operations while keeping human relationships at the center. AI skills for the workforce: California launched “AI-Ready California,” a statewide AI literacy micro-credential pilot aimed at universal, responsible AI use. Early childhood support: Akron extended its Unified Early Learning System pilot through end of 2026, targeting child care stability, coaching for educators, and stronger family referrals to developmental and health supports. Education funding access: Akwa Ibom approved ₦1.968bn in exam fees to prevent students from being held back by costs. School leadership moves: Brandywine Community Schools hired a new superintendent, while Barren County Schools named a director of instruction, federal programs, and after-school programming. Research on school readiness: A study links preterm birth to lower school readiness and later academic outcomes, with deprivation compounding risk. Higher-ed and community resources: University of the Pacific marked 175 years; SIU Carbondale advanced plans for a Southern Illinois African American Heritage Center; Odisha inaugurated Bishwanath Pandit Central Library with a digital library management system.