US Higher Ed Costs: Sallie Mae reports families spent an average $34,019 on college in 2025-26—up thousands from a year earlier—adding pressure as students look for ways to cover the final stretch. Federal Scrutiny & Research Security: The Pentagon ordered 30 US universities to audit foreign research partnerships, warning that schools that don’t act quickly could lose funding. Admissions Integrity: Armenia’s anti-corruption body charged a Yerevan State University admissions official with large-scale bribery after an alleged $4,000 demand. Statewide Application Overhaul: Arkansas launched a universal, no-fee college application portal for up to five schools, aiming to streamline admissions and auto-fill student data. Campus Life, Not Just Policy: Piedmont Technical College boosted orientation participation with its IGNITE program, designed to reduce first-day anxiety. AI in Healthcare: KT and Seoul National University Hospital will build a healthcare AI transformation platform. International Student Shock: The UK Home Office revoked Bloomsbury Institute’s sponsor licence, potentially forcing some students to transfer. Tuition Freeze: Universities of Wisconsin leaders proposed a two-year tuition freeze starting fall 2027, tied to state investment. Student Support & Belonging: A student credited Olivia Rodrigo with paying her final semester tuition, sharing a message of kindness and graduation. Global University Moves: Seoul AI Hub and Imperial College London signed a partnership to expand joint research and commercialization.