Politicalization of early learning: YouTube educator Ms. Rachel used her massive toddler audience to back a slate of progressive candidates, including Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed, reigniting debate over whether children’s media is getting pulled into campaigns. Higher-ed access & disability services: Notre Dame’s testing accommodations are outlined amid broader national scrutiny of how many students receive academic supports. Student safety & health: A Daviess County letter warns parents about vape risks in backpacks, while a physician’s guide pushes back on vaccine misinformation as measles cases hit a 35-year high. K-12 policy: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban for public schools starting in 2027-28, and a Shenandoah County board weighs options to relieve elementary overcrowding by moving younger students. College sports chaos: A federal court ruling grants a fifth year of eligibility to the 2022 high school class, undercutting the NCAA’s “five for five” plan and setting up appeals. Affordability pressure: CNBC reports 16 colleges now top $100,000 in annual sticker price, underscoring the cost squeeze families face. Campus climate & rights: The University of Alabama system removed LGBTQ terms from nondiscrimination language, drawing criticism from advocates. Workforce strain in higher ed: Illinois Institute of Technology laid off faculty and staff ahead of the fall semester.