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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Which universities are most vulnerable to Trump's funding cuts? An in-depth look at 25 elite schools at risk
From Harvard to Columbia: AN analysis shows which prestigious universities face the biggest threat The Trump administration's sweeping changes to graduate student loans, research grant allocations and visa policies for foreign students are impacting some of the most prestigious universities in the US. A recent Forbes analysis highlights 25 elite private institutions where large graduate enrolments and high dependence on foreign students and federal funding have left them particularly exposed. For more than a decade, graduate programmes have fuelled growth at top-tier US universities. This expansion was supported by unlimited federal Grad PLUS loans, billions in federal research grants, and a steady stream of tuition-paying international students. Now, changes enacted under President Donald Trump have disrupted these funding streams, creating a challenging environment for universities heavily reliant on graduate education. High dependency on graduate enrolment and foreign students According to the Forbes analysis, the most vulnerable universities are those with more than 2,000 graduate students, where graduate enrolment accounts for at least 35% of total student numbers and at least 25% of graduate students are on foreign visas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Last Chance: 80% Off This Artisan's Retirement Jewelry Sale The Heritage Journal Read More Undo Columbia University tops the list, with graduate students making up 72% of enrolment, and 49% of them being international. Other universities in similar positions include Johns Hopkins University (68% graduate, 47% foreign), Harvard University (64%, 35%), Duke University (64%, 32%), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (63%, 43%). Among the 25 schools, 13 hold an A+ grade in Forbes' 2025 College Financial Grades, showing strong financials prior to the implementation of the Trump policies. Research grants and student visa restrictions The Trump administration has cancelled an estimated $7 billion in science grants at more than 600 institutions, as reported by Forbes. It has also restricted overhead payments on existing grants and instituted political oversight of new research funding. For instance, Johns Hopkins University lost $800 million in contracts following the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development. The university responded by cutting 2,200 jobs globally and implementing a hiring freeze in June, according to Forbes. Northwestern University reported $790 million in frozen grants and has announced the elimination of 425 positions. Duke University has accepted nearly 600 staff and 40 faculty resignations, with layoffs underway, as detailed by Forbes. Impact of Grad PLUS loan caps The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Trump in July, has placed strict borrowing caps on new graduate students from July 1, 2026. While current students can borrow their full cost of attendance through Grad PLUS, future students will be limited to £20,500 annually, with a lifetime cap of £100,000. Medical, dental, and law students face a cap of £50,000 per year, up to £200,000 total. As reported by Forbes, in 2019–2020, 73% of dental students who borrowed took out more than £50,000, as did 57% of medical students and 30% of law students. Private lenders are expected to fill part of the funding gap, but lower-income students and those entering less lucrative careers may be disproportionately affected. Foreign student visa challenges Forbes reports that the Trump administration has introduced measures that could reduce new foreign student enrolments by 30% to 40%, translating to an overall 15% decline. Visa issuance was paused while new social media screening processes were added. New restrictions affect residents of 19 countries, and attempts were made to expel students who supported pro-Palestinian protests. In one case, Columbia University agreed to a settlement requiring it to provide the federal government with data on international students and reduce reliance on foreign enrolment. The agreement unlocked £1.3 billion in funding previously withheld, according to Forbes. Structural changes and programme cuts Universities are already responding with institutional changes. According to Forbes, the University of Chicago is considering consolidating 15 departments into eight due to financial strain. At Duke, the medical school is evaluating pay reductions for tenured faculty reliant on lost research funding. Forbes also notes that between 2011–2012 and 2021–2022, doctorate degrees increased by 20% to 203,900 annually, and master's degrees by 16% to 880,200. This growth coincided with a rise in tuition costs for graduate study, outpacing that of undergraduate programmes. International students now earn 44% of all master's and 58% of PhDs in STEM fields in the US. In 2023–2024, 502,291 foreign graduate students were enrolled, an 8% rise from the previous year. However, changes to post-study work rights under Optional Practical Training (OPT) could reduce the appeal of US graduate programmes, as indicated by Forbes. Full list of the 25 most vulnerable universities University State % Graduate Students Graduate Enrollment % International Grad Students Forbes Grade Columbia University NY 72% 21634 49% A+ Johns Hopkins University MD 68% 12366 47% A+ Harvard University MA 64% 13971 35% A+ Duke University NC 64% 12602 32% A+ Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA 63% 7820 43% A+ Northwestern University IL 58% 12316 33% A+ University of Pennsylvania PA 57% 13920 35% A+ University of Chicago IL 55% 9871 43% A Carnegie Mellon University PA 55% 8526 68% A+ Stanford University CA 55% 9745 35% A+ Illinois Institute of Technology IL 54% 3188 69% D University of Southern California CA 53% 24051 41% A- New York Institute of Technology NY 51% 3294 26% C Stevens Institute of Technology NJ 51% 4307 87% C Yale University CT 51% 8176 33% A+ Washington University in St. Louis MO 50% 7609 49% A+ Case Western Reserve University OH 47% 5287 28% A Rice University TX 46% 3754 43% A+ New York University NY 44% 23500 49% A- Saint Louis University MO 43% 5286 28% A Northeastern University MA 41% 15653 68% B Boston University MA 40% 12558 43% A University of Rochester NY 38% 4128 45% A- Cornell University NY 38% 9636 50% A+ Princeton University NJ 37% 3256 42% B+ Source: National Center for Education Statistics These universities face significant adjustments as a result of the changes to funding, loans and international student policies enacted under the Trump administration. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
IOL News
6 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Health minister warns Operation Dudula on healthcare access for undocumented immigrants
Operation Dudula has once again vowed to continue its anti-illegal immigrant campaign at public health facilities across the country, despite a meeting with Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, on Monday. Image: Itumeleng English / Indepedent Newspapers Despite a stern warning from the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Operation Dudula has vowed to continue with its anti-illegal immigrants campaign, which has been preventing alleged undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare assistance at public healthcare facilities across the country. The movement's hardline stance comes a day after the members of the organisation met with Motsoaledi on Monday. On Tuesday, Motsoaledi, while speaking to SABC News, expressed deep concern over Operation Dudula's campaign, which has received criticism from the government and civil society organisations. He stated that his gripe arises because the campaign might lead to eligible South Africans being turned away. "I responded to them (Operation Dudula) in two ways. Firstly, I want the country to know that the issue of civil registration is a problem in the whole continent. Many African countries have not been able to register all their people. In fact, according to the statistics, the only country that is far ahead of it is Egypt, as it has achieved the registration of 98%. This means that 2% of Egyptians do not have any documentation. In South Africa, we are at 89% documentation. This means 11% of South Africans are undocumented. If you look at our population, this is about 6 million people," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ According to the minister, as a result, those who are not registered are not illegal but are rather undocumented due to various reasons, which is why assuming that people are illegal is dangerous. "This does not mean they are illegal because they are South Africans who do not have documents as their details do not appear on our database. A prime example of this is Thabo Bester. We found out that most of his relatives were not registered. That is why, if they do it the way they are doing it, you are going to turn away many South Africans. Having worked in Home Affairs, I met such people who are South African but without documents. So, I said to them, they must be very careful and know exactly what they are doing," he added. When asked by the movement if nothing should be done to remedy the situation, he explained that during his tenure as Home Affairs minister, he introduced the Border Management Authority and other legislative reforms, which are meant to address their concerns. "They then asked: Do we just fold our arms? I said no, as a country, we are not saying we must do nothing. When I was at Home Affairs, we launched the BMA to try and make borders safer. Secondly, I reviewed all the immigration laws and drew a new White Paper on Immigration to repeal the Citizenship Act, the Identification Act, the Refugee Act, and the Immigration Act, and start them from the beginning because of the number of mistakes," he said. Responding to the minister's concerns, Operation Dudula National Executive Committee member Thami Madondo accused politicians of failing South African citizens by not enforcing the country's laws, adding that the Constitution has also failed South Africans on issues of immigration. "Politicians are politicising the matter, and no one wants to uphold the laws of this country. The minister told us about the white paper, which is currently sitting idly after we made our contributions as civil society on the issues it seeks to resolve," he said. Furthermore, the movement has indicated that it was aware that there are many South Africans without the right documents, which is why it also helps those acquire the necessary documents. "We are aware that government inefficiencies have left many South Africans without proper documentation. Our approach is to identify and support these individuals, working with local structures and community leaders to help them secure their papers. The distinction between undocumented citizens and undocumented foreign nationals is critical, and our members are expected to make it. "Lastly, the white paper proposed in 2024 seeks to bridge the gap in national security matters but has yet to be gazetted. It is still outstanding in the Home Affairs minister's office."
RTÉ News
27-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Concern over future of planned €300m Wicklow film studio
Concerns have been raised about the future of a €300m film studio planned for Greystones in Co Wicklow because three years after the project was launched, there has been no sign of progress. Locals say there's a lack of information about what's happening to the site, and expressed concern about the €24m of taxpayers money committed to the project. They say if the media campus, which was expected to create 1,500 jobs, is no longer viable, the land should be used for other business purposes. Plans for state of the art studio and production facilities on the 44 acre site were unveiled to much fanfare in 2022, promising to build Ireland's largest tv and film campus, which was to have begun operating in 2024. A consortium called Hackman Capital Partners took a lease on IDA land for the Greystones Media Campus for 999 years at just under €600 a year Louise Gaskin, Chair of the East Wicklow Business Network, says her members are concerned about the lack of progress on the site and the "void" of information about the project. "It would bring a lot of community employment and it would bring for businesses locally, huge economic development. "Lying idle, it's becoming an ugly site, overgrown, just lying there doing nothing. "First of all we were being told it was about the actors strike going on. Then we were told it's commercially sensitive. Then we're getting blanks. "No one's coming back with information. So who has the information? Someone has to know something." Ms Gaskin said that - if there are questions about the viability of the project - she would like to see the lease agreement revoked and the land put to other business use. Since the launch of the Greystones Media Campus three years ago, planning permission has also been granted for a large media campus in South Dublin called Dublin Fields. However, those in the industry say that the facilities at Greystones are still badly needed. Larry Bass, Founder and CEO of ShinAwil Productions, says the lack of studio space in Ireland meant that his company had to build a new studio to film Dancing With the Stars when it returned after Covid-19 lockdowns. He said that, despite global uncertainty and the threat by Donald Trump of tariffs on the industry, Ireland's film industry personnel remain in demand, but the lack of studio space is a barrier to attracting productions here "Apple, Amazon, Netflix, the BBC, the big American networks, these studios will all still, thankfully, be creating new shows. "We're an English language country, we've got a fantastic crew base. "It has evolved from, maybe five or six thousand people working in the industry 20 years ago to over thirty thousand people, highly skilled, highly sought after. "All we need is the raw material, the place, to build. And you know, this has never been a truer statement. If you build it, watch them come." The Department of Finance said that while investment is likely to be on a phased basis, it can't say how much of the €24m committed to the Greystones Media Campus has been spent to date. It also says that the current Minister has not had any engagement on the project from the Irish Strategic Investment Fund or the consortium behind it, Hackman Capital Partners. A spokesman for the consortium said that they will make a statement on the project in the coming months.
Time Business News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Pearl Snap Shirts: 5 Can't-Miss Looks for Everyday Casual Wear
Pearl Snap Shirts: 5 Can't-Miss Looks for Everyday Casual Wear Why Pearl Snap Shirts Are Making a Comeback From the Ranch to the Runway These snaps have busted broncs and bar fights with equal grit. These days you'll find 'em on baristas slinging lattes, guitar players tuning up backstage, even art snobs sipping chardonnay. Funny how shirts made to withstand barbed wire end up looking this damn sharp in civilization. Function Meets Fashion Pearl snaps earned their scars on barbed wire and broncos before becoming your favorite shirt. Born to handle the rugged wear of ranch life, they also happen to look damn good while doing it. Those iconic snaps? Practical. The pointed yokes? All-American detail. That sturdy fabric? Ready for whatever your Saturday throws at you—ranch chores or bar stools. The Anatomy of a Pearl Snap Shirt What Sets It Apart It's more than just a button-up. Pearl snap shirts typically feature: Decorative front and back yokes Snap buttons (instead of traditional buttons) Two front chest pockets Reinforced stitching They're structured without feeling stiff—and that's where the charm lies. Fabric Guide: Built for Your Life Chambray : Think denim's breezy cousin – tough enough for job sites but soft for all-day wear. Spring's best friend. : Think denim's breezy cousin – tough enough for job sites but soft for all-day wear. Spring's best friend. Canvas: The blue-collar MVP. Thick enough to shrug off wood chips and bonfire sparks, yet ages like your favorite leather jacket. The blue-collar MVP. Thick enough to shrug off wood chips and bonfire sparks, yet ages like your favorite leather jacket. Linen: Summer's secret weapon. Wrinkles tell the story of your day while keeping you cooler than polyester pretenders. Summer's secret weapon. Wrinkles tell the story of your day while keeping you cooler than polyester pretenders. Flannel-Lined: When frost bites, these snap-ups laugh. Plaid on the inside, smooth operator outside – winter's two-faced charmer. How to Choose the Right Pearl Snap Shirt for You The Goldilocks Fit You want shoulders that sit right like they were measured for you, enough chest room to actually breathe, and just enough taper to show you're not wearing a feed sack. Too tight and you'll split seams reaching for a beer. Too boxy and you'll look like you stole dad's shirt. The sweet spot? Fits like it's worked beside you—shoulders locked in, arms free to swing. Color and Pattern Options Solid Colors : Easy to match, timeless. : Easy to match, timeless. Plaids & Checks : A little bolder, great for layering. : A little bolder, great for layering. Faded Washes: Instant vintage appeal. American Made Shirts: Quality You Can Feel American-made shirts? They're not just a flag-waving statement—they're a bet on quality. Take Richter Goods: U.S. workshops, fabrics that age like whiskey, and stitches that laugh at time. These shirts bury fast fashion in their dust. Pearl Snap Shirts: Dressing Like You Mean It The Ranch Hand Special Grab your most broken-in pearl snap, pair it with jeans that have actual dirt on them, and boots that've seen more miles than your truck. Top it with a sweat-stained cowboy hat if you're feeling nostalgic. City Slicker Version Swap the boots for crisp white sneakers, trade the denim for khakis that actually fit, and lose the hat unless you want tourists asking for photos. Roll those sleeves like you've got work to do. Beachcomber Mode Linen pearl snap + shorts that actually cover your thighs + loafers that've walked barefoot before. Saltwater wrinkles included at no extra charge. Layer Like You Know Things Over your favorite band tee for that 'I didn't try but still look cool' vibe Under that bomber jacket that's seen more bar fights than parades Between your flannel and your ego when autumn hits Warm Weather Looks with Pearl Snaps Open Shirt with a White Tee This look never fails. It's clean, crisp, and cool. Opt for a chambray or linen pearl snap shirt, wear it open over a white crew neck tee, and you're good to go. Shorts and Canvas Slip-Ons Keep it easy. A tucked pearl snap shirt with chino shorts and canvas slip-ons makes for an unbeatable summer barbecue outfit. Camp Collar Shirts for a Summer Feel Camp collars breathe easy—perfect match for pearl snaps' tough-guy bones. Find ones with collars that roll like waves and fabric light enough for salt air. It's got vacation written all over it. Cold Weather Looks with Pearl Snap Flair Layer Under a Bomber or Leather Jacket This combo adds some edge. Toss a plaid pearl snap under your bomber jacket—suddenly your 'just running errands' look has bar-ready swagger without trying too hard. Flannel-Lined Canvas Shirts for Fall Swagger If the temperature's dipping, grab a flannel-lined canvas shirt. Warm, masculine, and made for sipping bourbon by a fire pit. Add jeans and boots and you're untouchable. Accessories That Complement the Look Watches, Hats, and Western Belts Leather strap watches : Simple and classic. : Simple and classic. Trucker caps or fedoras : Adds personality. : Adds personality. Western-style belts: If you're leaning into the western aesthetic, a detailed belt goes a long way. Keep It Natural: Leather and Earth Tones Work Best Avoid anything too flashy. Pearl snap shirts already have character—your accessories should complement, not compete. Dos and Don'ts of Styling Pearl Snap Shirts Don't Overdo the Cowboy Save the full cowboy costume for the rodeo. In real life? Pick one Western touch—boots or hat or bolo—then pair it with jeans and a tee that's seen actual laundry. Do Keep It Balanced and Effortless Roll the sleeves. Half-tuck the shirt. Mix it with streetwear. Make it yours. That's the secret sauce. Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own Here's the truth about pearl snaps—they're not some cowboy museum piece. These shirts belong as much on city pavement as they do on ranch dirt. Timeless? Sure. But outdated? Hell no. That's the magic of getting it right. Stylish without being fussy. And most importantly—it's you. So, grab one, throw it on, and get out there. You've got style to show off and places to be. FAQs Can you tuck in a pearl snap shirt and still keep it casual? Absolutely. Tuck just the front, let the back ride free. Use a belt that's actually worked before. Are pearl snap shirts good for layering? Yes! They work perfectly over tees or under jackets—great all-season layering piece. What shoes go best with western shirts for men? Match your kicks to the mission: ropers for ranch work, Chucks for bar hops, or clean white sneakers when you're playing civilian. How do you wear linen pearl snap shirts in cooler months? Toss it under your denim jacket, bomber, or that canvas coat that's seen every storm since '09. The texture contrast is perfect for fall. Is it okay to mix western shirts with modern streetwear? 100%. That's the new frontier. Western meets urban equals fashion gold. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
British shoppers spending more on beef, but buying less
Spend on beef products increased by 5pc between late February and mid-May compared to the same period last year, due to a combination of a 2.4pc decrease in volumes purchased as well as a 7.7pc increase in average prices paid, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), citing Kantar data. Total primary beef volumes sold to British consumers by supermarkets decreased by 2.5pc in this period. Mince saw a 1.8pc decrease in volumes purchased (-607 tonnes) due to a decrease in shoppers and volume purchased per trip. Diced beef saw volume decreases this period (-4.2pc) due to a decrease in buyers and a decrease in frequency of purchase. Steak also saw a 4pc decrease in volumes due to declines in volumes purchased per trip and number of buyers. Beef roasting volumes saw a moderate increase (+0.4pc). While there is a decrease in frequency of purchase, this was offset by an increase in volume purchased per trip, likely influenced by Easter falling within this period. Burgers and grills saw a moderate 0.1pc increase in volumes purchased, likely constrained by a huge 12pc rise in average price per volume Processed beef saw a 1.2pc increase in volumes purchased year on year. Burgers and grills saw a moderate 0.1pc increase in volumes purchased, likely constrained by a huge 12pc rise in average price per volume. Total added-value products all saw an 8.4pc decrease in volumes purchased this period, driven by the performances of marinades, sous vide and ready-to-cook beef. Marinades saw a 5.1pc volume decrease due to decreases in frequency of purchase and shopper numbers. Ready-to-cook beef volumes declined 2.6pc year on year due to a decrease in shoppers. Meanwhile, the AHDB has also reported that the total British cattle population at April 1 has contracted again to 7.54 million head, down 1.7pc on the previous year. A key driver of this decline was contraction in the beef breeding herd, down 3.4pc from the same time last year. The dairy breeding herd has remained more constant, down by only 0.2 pc from last April. The cattle population available for beef production aged 12-30 months was recorded to be down by 52,000 head (-3pc) compared to April last year, with the biggest reduction being seen in the 18-24 month age group. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The AHDB said this indicates continued beef supply tightness moving forward, potentially lending support to prices over the next six to 12 months. However, the number of cattle for beef production recorded aged zero to six months has increased by almost 8,000 head compared to April last year, with year-on-year increases in beef animals of both sexes. Market signals, such as the exceptionally high beef prices of the past few months, may have encouraged producers to restock over the past six months 'Market signals, such as the exceptionally high beef prices of the past few months, may have encouraged producers to restock over the past six months, supporting this increase,' AHDB analyst Grace Bolton said. However, she said, from the most recent data, it appears that, in the short term, falling GB cattle populations are here to stay, especially influencing the beef supply chain. 'However, the recent record high beef prices may be beginning to support the production decisions of farmers, leading to annual growth in the zero-to-six-month population of cattle available for beef as of April 1. 'The composition of the GB beef herd is also continuing to shift, with breed types changing and dairy beef becoming ever more prevalent as dairy bull numbers continue to fall,' she said.
