Despite 57% of institutions reporting a decrease in international student enrollment in Fall 2025, the overall decline was only 1%, with undergraduate enrollment even increasing. This discrepancy is likely due to fewer students participating in Optional Practical Training programs. Ultimately, while international student enrollment dips may have financial consequences, they also represent a loss of the positive contributions international students bring to American society and higher education.
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The GOP’s efforts to manipulate the 2026 midterm elections through gerrymandering have encountered setbacks. A Texas gerrymander, designed to add five seats, was blocked by a panel of judges, and Republicans in Indiana lack the votes to redraw their congressional map. Despite these challenges, the situation remains fluid, as the Texas decision is being appealed and Republicans have secured additional seats elsewhere. Democrats are also working to gain seats. An interview with Heather Williams provides insights into the obstacles, potential positive outcomes for Democrats, and the importance of voter participation in state-level contests.
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The article details the dismantling of the Department of Justice by the president, as reported by The New York Times, citing accounts from former career DOJ attorneys. The administration’s actions began with pardons for January 6 rioters, leading to resignations and a diminished Public Integrity Section, reducing its capacity to prosecute cases. The fate of the Epstein files now rests with this compromised DOJ, sparking concerns over their handling, particularly from Democratic senators. Despite the bill demanding release, skepticism abounds regarding the DOJ’s commitment to transparency, given the president’s influence and past actions.
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This week’s political landscape is marked by several key developments. Texas Representative Castro criticized Governor Abbott, accusing him of corruption related to gerrymandering attempts. The ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein continues to generate discussion, with Symone Sanders-Townsend raising questions about Trump’s involvement. Additionally, legal and political battles continue as Trump seeks to dismiss charges in the federal election interference case and considers a Capitol visit amidst the House speakership fight, where Scalise and Jordan have announced their candidacies.
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The recent instance of President Trump calling a female reporter “quiet, piggy” has gained significant traction online, despite occurring days prior and receiving limited initial media coverage. This incident, combined with Trump’s dismissal of a question about Jamal Khashoggi, has sparked outrage, particularly due to the double standard of attacking female journalists for asking probing questions. The lack of immediate defense from the press gaggle and the White House’s defense of the comment further emphasized the president’s pattern of hostility towards the press. Interestingly, the story gained prominence through online platforms and social media, potentially signaling a shift in how news cycles are shaped and how resistance can be mobilized.
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The White House and Moscow are secretly collaborating on a 28-point peace proposal to end the war in Ukraine, involving U.S. and Russian envoys who have extensively discussed the plan. This deal reportedly centers on peace in Ukraine, European security, security guarantees, and future U.S. relations with Kyiv and Moscow. Russian officials have expressed optimism about the plan, indicating that the Russian position is being heard, with the aim of presenting a written document before a potential meeting between President Trump and President Putin, despite the cancellation of a prior summit. U.S. officials have begun briefing Ukrainian and European officials on the proposal, while a planned meeting with President Zelensky has been postponed.
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Representative Ilhan Omar condemned President Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling it a “disgusting display” and criticizing the administration’s potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Omar believes that Trump is prioritizing weapons-contractor profits and his own family’s business interests, especially given the Saudis’ human rights record and use of US arms. She urged fellow lawmakers to block the deal, emphasizing the need for congressional authorization before sending US soldiers to defend Saudi Arabia. Additionally, groups like DAWN have voiced concerns, suggesting Trump is prioritizing personal and corporate gains over human rights.
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The Justice Department revealed Wednesday that the grand jury indicting former FBI Director James Comey was never shown the final charges, a lapse admitted during court proceedings. Comey’s attorneys argue this omission warrants dismissal, citing the statute of limitations. Concerns about the prosecution’s integrity were already present, stemming from potential government misconduct and the lead prosecutor’s lack of prior experience. Judge Michael Nachmanoff has yet to rule, acknowledging the complexity of the issues, as the Justice Department addresses the grand jury revelation.
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Trump designates Saudi Arabia as major non-NATO ally in defense agreement, and it certainly feels like a lot to take in, doesn’t it? It seems almost surreal, given everything. The implications, the history, the business ties – it all swirls together into a complex and controversial situation. It makes you wonder how we got here and where we’re headed.
Trump’s decision to elevate Saudi Arabia’s status to a major non-NATO ally has, unsurprisingly, ignited a firestorm of discussion. The core of the controversy centers on the inherent contradictions. On one hand, you have a nation with deep-seated ties to the United States.… Continue reading
Mark Epstein, brother of the late Jeffrey Epstein, has claimed that Republicans are actively “sabotaging” the forthcoming Epstein files by removing Republican names to protect themselves. He alleges that a facility in Winchester, Virginia is being used to sanitize the files, though he does not directly accuse Donald Trump of colluding. Epstein believes that the files contain damaging information on Trump, who has been associated with his brother, potentially enough to “cancel the election” according to Epstein. Though Trump has encouraged the release of the files, he has not moved to release them unilaterally, and Mark Epstein has accused the FBI of orchestrating a cover-up.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood