Explore

Congressional Democrats Introduce Bill to Block Loan Access Extension for Tip-Based Programs

Congressional Democrats Introduce Bill to Block Loan Access Extension for Tip-Based Programs

Congressional Democrats, including Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, have introduced a bill to prevent the Department of Education from extending loan access to tip-based programs under the new Do No Harm test. This test, finalized by the Education Department, aims to hold colleges accountable by cutting off federal loans for low-earning degree programs. The bill challenges the department's decision to delay penalties for programs reliant on tip-based income, arguing that it undermines accountability and wastes taxpayer dollars. Critics argue that the delay allows poor-performing programs to continue without consequence.

New Accountability Metric Could Impact College Loan Access by 2028

New Accountability Metric Could Impact College Loan Access by 2028

The U.S. Department of Education has finalized a new accountability metric, the Do No Harm test, which aims to hold colleges accountable for student outcomes by cutting off federal loan access for low-earning degree programs. The metric compares the earnings of graduates to those with only a high school diploma. Initial data will be released in 2027, with penalties starting in 2028 for programs that fail the test. However, programs reliant on tip-based income, such as cosmetology and culinary arts, will have delayed penalties due to concerns about underreported earnings.

Senator Merkley Leads Anti-Corruption Initiative Targeting President Trump's Alleged Self-Dealing

Senator Merkley Leads Anti-Corruption Initiative Targeting President Trump's Alleged Self-Dealing

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon has launched a new Senate Democratic anti-corruption initiative aimed at exposing President Trump's alleged self-dealing and developing legislation to prevent future presidents from using public office for personal profit. The initiative includes a working group and the release of a report titled 'The Cost of Corruption: How Trump Turns Power into Profit at Americans’ Expense.' The report details how the Trump administration has allegedly used public power to benefit personal interests, impacting American families financially. The initiative seeks to hold the Trump administration accountable for its actions, including the alleged misuse of federal resources for vanity projects and the exploitation of public office for personal gain.

Rick Hess Questions the Effectiveness of Career Readiness Initiatives in Education

Rick Hess Questions the Effectiveness of Career Readiness Initiatives in Education

Rick Hess, director of Education Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, raises concerns about the current focus on 'career readiness' in education. In a discussion with Stefanie Sanford, a veteran of K-12 education policy, Hess highlights the parallels between today's career pathways initiatives and past efforts to improve high school graduation rates. He notes that while states are pushing for improved workforce readiness and expanding career and technical education, there is a risk that these programs may not adequately prepare students for the job market. Hess draws on historical lessons from the Bush-Obama era, where efforts to boost graduation rates led to unintended consequences such as credit recovery and grade inflation, which ultimately compromised academic achievement.

Trump administration opens investigation into Harvard's financial aid for international students

Trump administration opens investigation into Harvard's financial aid for international students

The Justice Department is investigating whether Harvard University is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students

Colleges Urged to Share Enrollment Stories Amid New Federal Data Release

Colleges Urged to Share Enrollment Stories Amid New Federal Data Release

Colleges and universities in the U.S. are being advised to proactively communicate their enrollment strategies as the federal government's Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) survey data is set to be released. This data, which includes seven years of detailed admission and enrollment information, is expected to spark debate about admission practices. Concerns have been raised about the completeness and legality of the data collection, with federal courts issuing injunctions in some states. Institutions are encouraged to document their enrollment strategies and align internal communications to prepare for public scrutiny.

Trump Administration Probes Harvard's Financial Aid for International Students Over Discrimination Concerns

Trump Administration Probes Harvard's Financial Aid for International Students Over Discrimination Concerns

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's financial aid practices, focusing on whether the university is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students. This compliance review, initiated by the federal government, is part of a series of inquiries by the Trump administration into Harvard's operations. The investigation centers on Harvard's acceptance of foreign funding, particularly from Chinese sources, which has amounted to $630 million over several decades. The Justice Department is concerned that these funds may be used to provide financial aid to foreign students based on their national origin, potentially discriminating against U.S. students. Harvard has stated that it complies with legal obligations and does not unlawfully discriminate in its financial aid allocations.

Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat Analyzed for Historical Racism

Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat Analyzed for Historical Racism

Following the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a debate has emerged regarding his legacy, with President Trump and colleagues offering tributes, while others criticize his 33-year political career. The Howard University Institute for Advanced Study has initiated an examination of Graham's racial record, leading to a broader study of the historical racial legacy of South Carolina's 'Class Two' Senate seat. This seat, held by Graham for 23 years, has a history of being occupied by senators who supported anti-Black racist policies. Notable figures include Strom Thurmond, a staunch defender of segregation, and John C. Calhoun, who defended slavery as a 'positive good.' The study highlights the role of these senators in shaping and reinforcing systemic racism in U.S. history.

Arkansas State University-Beebe Receives $50,000 Grant from Metallica Scholars Initiative for HVACR Program

Arkansas State University-Beebe Receives $50,000 Grant from Metallica Scholars Initiative for HVACR Program

Arkansas State University-Beebe has been selected to participate in the eighth year of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, a program funded by the rock band Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands. The university will receive a $50,000 grant to enhance its Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) program. This marks the second time ASU-Beebe has been chosen for this initiative, bringing its total funding from the program to $125,000. The grant will provide HVACR students with professional toolkits, including essential tools and equipment, to support their training and career readiness. The initiative, in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, aims to support skilled trades and technical professions, having assisted approximately 13,000 students since its inception in 2019.

Senator Lummis Proposes Clarity Act to Protect Customer Crypto in Exchange Bankruptcies

Senator Lummis Proposes Clarity Act to Protect Customer Crypto in Exchange Bankruptcies

Senator Cynthia Lummis has introduced the Clarity Act, a proposed U.S. federal law aimed at ensuring that customers retain ownership of their cryptocurrency assets even if the exchange holding them files for bankruptcy. The legislation seeks to prevent customer-deposited cryptocurrencies from being treated as part of the exchange's estate, a situation that occurred during the bankruptcies of Celsius and Voyager, where customers lost significant portions of their holdings. The Clarity Act would legally recognize customer ownership of deposited crypto, impose stricter custodial, auditing, and compliance standards for exchanges, and provide a clear market-structure framework to boost crypto adoption and restore confidence in centralized exchanges.

A protest movement is challenging India's establishment. What to know about the 'Cockroaches'

A protest movement is challenging India's establishment. What to know about the 'Cockroaches'

A joke has turned into a major protest movement in India, challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi Hindu nationalist’s government

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

A wave of student loan borrowers have entered default since pandemic-era protections lapsed

Defaults on student loans have surged across the United States, reaching record levels as borrowers struggle to keep up with payments