This fall, 18-year-old freshman college enrollment dropped 5%, most significantly impacting public and private four-year colleges (over 6% decline). Contributing factors include declining birth rates, Fafsa application issues, the Supreme Court’s rejection of student loan forgiveness, and the increasing attractiveness of the job market. Despite application numbers rising, affordability concerns, particularly tuition increases, remain major obstacles to college access. Experts emphasize the need for increased support to address affordability and accessibility issues to reverse this concerning trend.
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A Maryland lawsuit alleging Linda McMahon’s complicity in child sexual abuse by former WWE ring announcer Melvin Phillips has been temporarily halted. The suit, filed under a new state law eliminating statutes of limitations for such claims, targets McMahon and WWE for alleged abuse of “ring boys” as young as 13. The case’s progression is currently stayed pending a Maryland Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the 2023 Child Victims Act. McMahon, who denies the allegations, is vigorously defending against the lawsuit.
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The UK faces a critical shortage of laboratories certified to test water treatment chemicals, hindering the ability of water companies to ensure safe drinking water. This lack of testing capacity, attributed to the closure of all three UK-based labs since 2021, stems from post-Brexit regulations prohibiting the use of foreign testing facilities. The resulting inability to approve new or recertify existing products compromises water safety and potentially increases costs for consumers. While regulators claim no immediate risk to consumers, industry experts express concern over reduced competition and the halting of product innovation. The absence of plans for new laboratories underscores the urgency of addressing this growing issue.
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Following the fatal shooting of CEO Brian Thompson, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty addressed employees, expressing concern over inaccurate and disrespectful media coverage of the event. He urged employees to avoid engaging with the press, advising them to refer all inquiries to the company’s media relations team. Witty also mentioned the company’s commitment to responsible resource allocation, emphasizing a need to avoid “unnecessary care.” A manhunt continues for the unidentified assailant, who shot Thompson multiple times in a seemingly targeted attack.
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Brian Thompson’s murder highlights a critical flaw in the American system: the lack of lawful avenues to address societal grievances, potentially leading to increased violence. While the killing itself is tragic, the widespread online response, ranging from apathy to celebration, reveals a deep-seated public anger towards the healthcare industry and its perceived injustices. This reaction suggests a troubling erosion of empathy and a societal normalization of violence as a means of protest. The lack of condemnation, coupled with the apparent sympathy for the killer’s motives, points to a broader societal crisis demanding attention.
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Following the rebel takeover of Damascus, Russia officially announced that Bashar al-Assad had resigned and left Syria. His last public appearance was a week prior, where he vowed to crush the rebels. Conflicting reports place Assad on a Syrian Air plane departing Damascus airport early Sunday, though flight tracking data is inconclusive. The plane’s transponder signal was lost near Homs, but no crash has been reported.
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Thiessen and his co-author advocate for a Biden pardon of Trump, arguing that it’s necessary for national unity despite the numerous charges against him. This call, however, is viewed as a strategic move to further entangle Biden in Trump’s actions rather than a genuine effort at reconciliation. The authors’ prioritization of unity is expected to disappear once Trump regains power, mirroring past instances where similar calls for bipartisan cooperation were selectively applied to Democrats. This pattern suggests a cynical manipulation of the concept of national unity for political gain.
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Despite President-elect Trump’s threats to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and impose tariffs, many California Central Valley farmers remain loyal, viewing him as a bulwark against stringent environmental regulations they believe harm agriculture. Farmers cite Trump’s past actions, such as addressing water access concerns, and anticipate his economic aid to offset tariff impacts, despite potential long-term negative consequences for trade. However, some farmers disagree, highlighting the potential devastating effects of mass deportations on food production and the unsustainable nature of government aid. Ultimately, the incoming administration’s policies will significantly impact agricultural workers and the national food supply.
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On December 8th, Syrian rebels announced the capture of Damascus, claiming President Bashar al-Assad had fled. The rebels also reported liberating Saydnaya prison, notorious for human rights abuses. Damascus International Airport ceased operations, and social media showed mass exodus attempts. While the Syrian government denies Assad’s departure, the Prime Minister offered to cooperate with a transitional government.
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The NYPD released two new photos of a person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, showing him in a taxi and walking alongside a car, both times wearing a blue mask and dark outerwear. The investigation, which includes a $60,000 reward, has revealed the suspect may have traveled to New York City from Atlanta and stayed at a Manhattan hostel. Authorities are exploring various leads, including a recovered backpack and cellphone, though a firearm has not yet been found. The suspect is believed to have possibly left the state.
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John Q. Hosedrinker