What happens if the federal government starts capping loans for graduate and professional programs like nursing? The proposed rule would narrow which degrees qualify as “professional,” limiting how much students can borrow and potentially making advanced education harder to afford. Critics warn it could push students toward costly private loans and shrink access to essential careers. (Source: Inside Higher Ed)

 Why are international student numbers falling at Texas universities? Recent visa and immigration policy changes are making it harder for students abroad to secure approval, contributing to a 17% nationwide decline in new international enrollments. Colleges warn the drop could affect diversity, tuition revenue, and key academic programs. (Source: Axios)

 What does it really mean when the Department of Education says it wants to “return education to the states”? Critics argue that shifting offices to other agencies and merging federal grants may reduce oversight rather than increase state power, creating confusion and weakening accountability. With only about 10% of K–12 funding coming from the federal level, analysts warn that this restructuring could leave schools facing uneven support and wider disparities. (Source: The Washington Post)

 What happens when a state diverts public-school money into private schools? In Tennessee, a group of parents is suing to block the new voucher program, arguing it violates the state constitution by pulling funds away from the public system it’s required to support. They say the program worsens underfunding and pushes money toward private schools that aren’t held to the same accountability standards. (Source: Chalkbeat)

 What does it mean now that more than $20 billion in K–12 funding is being moved from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor? The shift is part of a federal restructuring that redistributes major education programs to other agencies, changing who oversees key school funding. Supporters say it aligns with workforce goals, while critics worry it weakens academic oversight and creates confusion for states. (Source: Education Week)

 What happens if the U.S. Department of Education shifts major programs like special education, school safety, and Native American services into other federal agencies? Supporters say the move could streamline operations, while critics worry it will weaken protections for vulnerable students. Many fear it’s a step toward dismantling the department entirely. (Source: Education Week)

 Why are U.S. colleges seeing such a big drop in new international students this fall? Enrollment from abroad fell by 17%, creating financial strain for many schools that depend on full-tuition international students to support their budgets. Smaller institutions and specialized programs are feeling the pressure most as they face shrinking enrollment and increased competition from other countries. (Source: Washington Post)

 Why is Alabama considering becoming the first state to cut ties with PBS? The state’s Educational Television Commission is reviewing the move after federal funding changes put new pressure on public broadcasting, raising concerns about costs and control. Parents and educators fear the decision would strip communities of trusted children’s and educational programming. (Source: AP News)

 What happens now that the 43-day government shutdown has ended and federal education agencies are reopening? The restart has cleared the way for delayed work to resume, but it also left schools with backlogs and missing guidance. Major uncertainties remain about future policy direction, special education oversight, and funding priorities. (Source: AP News)

Why are fewer Americans confident in the nation’s schools? A new Gallup poll shows only 35% of Americans are satisfied with K-12 education—the lowest ever recorded—reflecting growing concern over how well schools prepare students for college, work, and life. The decline spans political and demographic lines, signaling deep public doubt about the direction of U.S. education. (Source: Gallup.com)