The US Supreme Court rejected an appeal of a ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in favor of Maryland's handgun licensing law, which mandates training and a background check, among other requirements. The justices also rejected the National Association of Realtors' appeal of a ruling that allows the Justice Department to reopen an antitrust inquiry into the association's policies. In addition, the high court turned away Utah's petition challenging the Bureau of Land Management's ownership of 18.5 million acres in the state.

A federal judge has vacated the Biden administration's Title IX overhaul, prompting colleges to revert to 2020 regulations, which were criticized for narrowing sexual harassment definitions and requiring live hearings. The ruling, a major legal setback for Biden, has drawn praise from conservatives and criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates.

The Supreme Court has agreed to review a decision by the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit that struck down some Affordable Care Act preventive care requirements. The lower court sided with employers who objected to covering services such as HIV prevention and certain cancer screenings, citing religious and procedural issues. The case is likely to be heard in the spring.

Fourth- and fifth-graders from Hutto Elementary School in Georgia will visit Montgomery, Ala., and Atlanta as part of the "Footsteps to Freedom" trip, funded in part by a grant through the Decatur County Schools Foundation. Students will visit historical sites such as the Rosa Parks Museum, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, as part of the trip aimed at helping teach them about the events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement.

Students at Jimmy Carter Middle School in Albuquerque, N.M., honored the former president during his state funeral by penning letters of kindness and learning about his life and legacy. Principal Michelle Velasquez said it was "a profound honor" for the school to be named after Carter, who "exemplified service, integrity and a commitment to making the world a better place."

As AI continues to grow its presence in education, it's time for school systems to reevaluate their methods of curriculum and assessment design, writes educator and former journalist Mike Kentz. Examining student interactions with AI -- instead of relying simply on traditional language-based assessments -- will give teachers a better picture of student thinking and understanding of subject material. Kentz details how some educators are implementing this framework in their classrooms.

Ashley Murphy of Portsmouth High School and Landon Resendes of Middletown High School have been chosen to represent Rhode Island in the US Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C. The students will participate in meetings with senators, the president and other officials during the event, and each will receive a $10,000 college scholarship.

Students at Hauppauge High School in New York have presented civic capstone projects as part of their efforts to earn the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, which recognizes civic knowledge and engagement. The projects, which focused on creating positive change in the school community, included proposals for off-campus lunch, school beautification and alternative physical education options.

New York Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg held a student-led ceremonial inauguration at Peekskill High School, emphasizing the importance of local politics and community involvement. Levenberg, who is beginning her second term, highlighted her achievements in securing state funding for local projects and expressed her commitment to building healthy communities.

The Center for Civic Education invites civics teachers to apply for the prestigious American Civic Education Teacher Awards. Awardees demonstrate expertise and creativity in inspiring students to understand the Constitution, U.S. government, and public policy. The awards are sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, the Center on Representative Government at Indiana University, and the National Education Association. Apply by May 31.