Scott Remer is the country's only full-time, professional coach for kids competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 32-year-old Remer has coached five national champions, including two of the last three. Remer claims 34 spellers as his students this year and has worked with no fewer than 29 during each of the past four bees. He charges up to $180 for an hourlong private lesson. And if spellers finish in the top 10 and earn a cash prize, he receives up to 10% of their winnings. Many spellers who worked with Remer praise his coaching, but some say he can be brusque and demanding.

Unknown number of students missing following attack by armed groups on school in Borno, Nigerian police say.

Pope Leo XIV has denounced investments in AI and high-tech weaponry, warning they lead to a “spiral of annihilation.” He called for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine during a visit to Rome’s La Sapienza University on Thursday. This marked the first papal visit to the campus since 2008. The pope was warmly welcomed, including by young Palestinians who arrived in Italy this week to study. Leo criticized increased military spending at the expense of education and healthcare. He emphasized the need for responsible AI development and highlighted the importance of valuing life and peace.

Parents across the country who are worried about excessive screen time in schools are lobbying educators to go back to pencils and paper. In places like Pennsylvania's Lower Merion School District, some families are taking it even further. Over 600 people have signed a petition asking to preserve parents' ability to opt their children out of digital devices, setting off a clash with the school district. At a meeting Monday night, school board members said it’s not feasible to let hundreds of students opt out of technology that is essential to the curriculum.