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Study reveals how race-evasive coverage of student loans fuels policy failures
For years, news coverage of the student debt crisis has left out a crucial part of the story: race. A new study in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis analyzed 15 years of student loan reporting in eight major newspapers to reveal that most media outlets avoided mentioning race until just a few years ago (even though disparities existed for all 15 years of the study). While one might assume this shift came after the racial justice uprisings of 2020, the data shows that the turn toward more explicit racial language actually began around 2018. Dominique Baker, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development’s School of Education and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware, was the lead researcher. “Even when newspapers did eventually address race, they focused primarily on documenting the size of disparities instead of talking about the structural reasons underlying them, like racism,” Baker said. “Other research has shown that when the news media solely focuses on the disparities and not the structural issues, readers are more likely to punish people of color instead of supporting solutions that could help them." Why does this information matter? Because how the media talks about policy shapes how the public—and policymakers—see the problem. If coverage ignores the racial disparities in student loan burdens, it makes race-neutral, one-size-fits-all solutions seem more logical—even if they fail to address real inequities. It’s not just about adding a few words. It’s about changing the lens entirely. Baker has appeared in dozens of national news outlets for her expertise. She is available for interviews on this paper and other topics surrounding higher education. Email mediarelations@udel.edu to contact her.

Reclaiming 'Spend': A Retirement Rebellion
June is Pride Month—a celebration of identity, resilience, and the powerful act of reclaiming. Over the years, LGBTQ+ communities have reclaimed words that once marginalized them. “Queer” used to be a slur. Now, it’s a proud badge of honor. Similarly, the Black community has transformed language once used to oppress into expressions of cultural pride and connection. So, here's a thought: What if retirees approached the word “spend” similarly? Yes, you read that right. The psychological Tug-of-War This isn't just about numbers; it’s about narratives. Most retirees have spent their entire adult lives in accumulation mode: save, earn, invest, delay gratification, rinse, and repeat. But retirement flips that formula on its head, and most people weren’t provided with a “mental user guide” for the transition. Now, instead of saving, they’re expected to spend? Without a paycheck? It triggers everything from guilt to fear to a low-grade existential crisis. The Challenge of Saving for an Extended Period Let’s get serious for a moment. The data tells a troubling story: - Canadians over 65 collectively hold $1.5 trillion in home equity (CMHC, 2023) - The average retiree spends just $33,000 per year, despite often having far more resources (StatsCan, 2022) - Nearly 70% of retirees express anxiety about running out of money—despite having significant savings (FCAC, 2022) We’re talking about seniors who could afford dinner out, a trip to Tuscany, or finally buying that electric bike—and instead, they’re clipping coupons and debating the cost of almond milk. Why? Because spending still feels wrong. I Know a Thing or Two About Reclaiming Words As a proud member of the LGBTQ2+ community and a woman who has worked in the traditionally male-dominated world of finance, I’ve had a front-row seat to the power of language, both its ability to uplift and its tendency to wound. There were many boardrooms where I was not only the only woman but also the only gay person, and often the oldest person in the room. I didn’t just have a seat at the table; I had to earn, protect, and sometimes fight to keep it. I’ve learned that words can be weapons, but they can also be amour—if you know how to use them. Reflect on Your Boundaries Take a moment. Have you ever felt prejudged, marginalized, or dismissed? Perhaps it was due to your gender, sexuality, accent, skin colour, culture, or age. It leaves a mark. One way to preserve your dignity is by building a mental toolkit in advance. Prepare a few lines, questions, or quiet comebacks you can use when someone crosses the line—whether they intend to or not. Here are five strategies that helped me stand tall—even at five feet nothing: 1. Humour – A clever remark can defuse tension or highlight bias without confrontation. 2. Wit – A precisely timed comeback can silence a room more effectively than an argument. 3. Over-preparation – Know your stuff inside and out. Knowledge is power. 4. Grace under fire – Not everything deserves your energy. Rise above it when it matters. 5. Vulnerability – A simple “Ouch” or “Did you mean to hurt me?” can be quietly disarming—and deeply human. Let’s Talk About Microaggressions The term microaggression may sound small, but its effects are significant. These are the subtle, often unintentional slights: backhanded compliments, dismissive glances, and “jokes” that aren’t funny. They quietly chip away at your sense of belonging. Dr. Robin DiAngelo’s book White Fragility is a brilliant read on this topic. She explains how early socialization creates bias— “Good guys wear white hats. Bad guys wear black hats.” These unconscious associations become ingrained from an early age. Some people still say, “I’m not racist—I have a Black friend,” or “I’m not homophobic—my cousin is gay.” The truth? Knowing someone from a marginalized group doesn’t exempt you from unconscious bias. It might explain the behaviour, but it doesn’t excuse it. And no, there is no such thing as reverse discrimination. Discrimination operates within systems of power and history. When someone points out a biased comment or unconscious microaggression, they’re not discriminating against you—they’re holding up a mirror. That sting you feel? It’s not oppression. It’s shame—and it’s warranted. It signals that your intentions clashed with your impact. And that’s not a failure; it’s an invitation to grow. Calling it “reverse discrimination” is just a way to dodge discomfort. But real progress comes when we sit with that discomfort and ask: Why did this land the way it did? What am I missing? Because the truth is, being uncomfortable doesn’t mean you’re being attacked. It often means you’re being invited into a deeper understanding—and that’s something worth showing up for. Let’s Reclaim 'Spend' What if we flipped the script? What if spending in retirement was viewed as a badge of honour? Spending on your grandkids’ education, your bucket list adventures or even a high-end patio chair should not come with any shame. You’ve earned this. You’ve planned for this. It’s time to reclaim it. Let’s make “spend” the new “thrive.” Let’s make super-saver syndrome a thing of the past. Let the Parade Begin Imagine it: a Seniors’ Spend Parade. Golden confetti. Wheelchairs with spoilers. Luxury walkers with cupholders and chrome rims. T-shirts that say: - “Proud Spender. Zero Shame.” - “I’m not broke—I’m retired and woke.” - “My equity funds my gelato tour.” Dreams Aren’t Just for the Young What’s the point of spending decades building wealth if you never enjoy it? Reclaiming “spend” isn’t about being reckless—it’s about being intentional. So go ahead—book the trip. Upgrade the sofa. Take the wine tour. You’re not being irresponsible; you’re living the life you’ve earned. And if anyone questions it? Smile and say: “I’m reclaiming the word spend. Care to join the parade?” Sue Don’t Retire…Rewire! 8 Guilt-Free Ways to Spend in Retirement A checklist to help you spend proudly, wisely, and joyfully: ☐ Book the Trip – Travel isn’t a luxury; it’s a memory maker. ☐ Upgrade for Comfort – That recliner? That mattress? Worth every penny. ☐ Gift a Down Payment – Help your kids become homeowners. ☐ Fund a Grandchild’s Dream – Tuition, ballet, a first car—you’re building a legacy. ☐ Outsource the Chores – Pay for help so you can reclaim your time. ☐ Invest in Wellness – Healthy food, massage therapy, yoga. Health is wealth. ☐ Pursue a Passion – From pottery to piloting drones, go for it. ☐ Celebrate Milestones – Anniversaries, birthdays… or Tuesdays. Celebrate always! Want More? If this speaks to you, visit www.retirewithequity.ca and explore more: - From Saver to Spender: Navigating the Retirement Mindset - Money vs. Memories in Retirement - Fear Of Running Out (FORO) Each piece explores the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement—the parts no one talks about at your pension seminar.

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What is Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), one of the most controversial federal agencies in the United States, plays a central role in enforcing immigration laws and maintaining national security. Created in the aftermath of 9/11 as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE was established to consolidate and streamline immigration enforcement. Over the past two decades, it has become a lightning rod for political and ethical debate—raising urgent questions about border control, civil liberties, and immigration reform. As the national conversation around immigration intensifies, understanding the origins, structure, and impact of ICE remains critically important. Key story angles include: The Origins of ICE Post-9/11: Tracing the agency’s creation in 2003 under DHS and its intended role in counterterrorism and immigration enforcement. How ICE Operates Today: Breaking down ICE’s structure, including Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Controversies and Public Backlash: Investigating high-profile incidents, including family separations, detention center conditions, and deportation raids that have sparked widespread protest. The Politics of Immigration Enforcement: Exploring how ICE has become a partisan issue, with calls for its reform, defunding, or abolishment emerging from activists and lawmakers. The Human Impact of ICE Actions: Highlighting stories of immigrants, asylum seekers, and communities affected by ICE policies and practices. Future of Immigration Enforcement: Examining policy proposals for reforming ICE, improving transparency, and addressing legal and ethical concerns in a changing demographic landscape. As immigration remains one of the most urgent and divisive issues in American politics, ICE stands at the heart of the debate—making its history, purpose, and evolving role a vital topic for journalists and the public to understand. Connect with our experts about the origins and role of ICE : Check out our experts here : www.expertfile.com

Julian Ku Examines China’s Role in New International Mediation Agreement
Hofstra Law Professor Julian Ku provided legal insights to Newsweek on the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation agreement that was signed by China and 32 other countries. The organization stands as the first of its kind, dedicated solely to facilitating mediation between nations.

Hidden in plain sight: UD researcher exposes gaps in college application process
In a groundbreaking study in the American Educational Research Journal, University of Delaware Associate Professor Dominique Baker and others has unveiled significant disparities in how students report extracurricular activities on college applications, highlighting inequities in the admissions process. Analyzing over 6 million Common App submissions using natural language processing, the researchers discovered that white, Asian, wealthier, and private-school students tend to list more activities, leadership roles, and unique accomplishments compared to their peers from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, when underrepresented minority students did report leadership roles, they did so at rates comparable to their white and Asian American counterparts. “All students do not have the ability to sign up for eight, 10 or 15 extracurricular activities,” Baker noted, emphasizing that many students must work to support their families, limiting their participation in extracurriculars. To address these disparities, the researchers recommend reducing the number of activities students can list on applications—suggesting a cap of four or five—to encourage a focus on the quality and intensity of involvement rather than quantity. This approach aims to level the playing field, ensuring that students with limited opportunities can still showcase their potential effectively. Baker and her colleagues draw attention to Lafayette College, which has recently reduced the number of extracurricular activities it reviews from 10 to six. While data on the impact of such changes is still forthcoming, the move aligns with the researchers’ recommendations and signals a shift toward more fair admissions practices. Other institutions are beginning to take note. If you wish to delve deeper into this research and explore its implications for college admissions, Baker is available for interviews and has been in a number of national outlets like The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, and Inside Higher Ed. Her insights could provide valuable perspectives on creating a more fair admissions landscape.
Since its creation in 1792, the penny has had a notable role in American currency. But 2026, will mark the end of the one cent after 233 years. In June of 2025, the U.S. Treasury made its final order for penny blanks. The U.S. Mint stated that it's lost $85.3 million on the 3.2 billion pennies they produced in the 2024 fiscal year. It is estimated that the government will save $56 million annually once the production of the penny stops. The penny was one of the first coins produced by the U.S. Mint in 1792 and was originally designed by Benjamin Franklin. Since then, the penny has been used to mark significant events in American history as its design has changed over the years. The penny, starting in 1857, has been the smallest form of currency used in America. Now the nickel will become the smallest coin to be used in cash purchases. With this change it is expected that getting your exact change will become difficult, causing businesses to either round up or round down to the nearest five cents. Dr. Jared Pincin is an expert on economics and is available to speak to media regarding penny production and the economy – simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.
What's Happening with the Measles Outbreak?
Fear rises in the hearts of Americans as news of the measles outbreak has surfaced across media platforms. The entrance of the measles vaccine in 1963, enabled the US to eradicate measles by 2000. Due to international contact with those who have not eliminated measles caused it to resurface in 2018. The following year saw 764 cases making it the highest number of cases in 25 years. This year the measles outbreak has reached the news again with reports of 14 outbreaks and 977 of the 1,088 cases caused by the outbreaks. The year prior to 2025 saw 16 outbreak reports, but fewer cases. So far 2025 has experienced three deaths (two children and one adult) due to measles. Children and teens under 20 make up 67% of the cases and 96% of infections are found in those who have not been vaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown. Dr. Zach Jenkins, professor of pharmacy practice and director of advanced pharmacy practice experiences of at Cedarville University. To schedule an interview, email Mark D. Weinstein, executive director of public relations at Cedarville University at mweinstein@cedarville.edu or click on his icon.

Video Insights: What Boards of Directors Need to Know About Tariffs
Boards of directors globally are confronting unknown circumstances as a result of the current quickly shifting tariff and trade environment. Business risks and opportunities are magnified during such times, compelling boards to seek the right strategies in order to meet these challenges. In this video, Brian Gleason, John Peiserich, James E. Malackowski, and Mariano de Alba – experts in business turnaround, supply chain, intellectual property, and political risk – outline emerging considerations for boards of directors in light of changing tariff policies, including: • Tracking the financial impact of tariffs and effects on company supply chains • Understanding changes to regulatory requirements and whether internal policies need to be modified • Planning for short- and long-term effects on intellectual property • Adjusting communications between the board and senior management To view more of our Tariffs and Trade Series expert analysis and commentary, visit: Looking to know more or connect with John Peiserich and James E. Malackowski? Simply click on either expert's icon now to arrange an interview today. If you are looking to connect with Brian Gleason or Mariano de Alba - contact : Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com

A path to fair minerals trade: Researcher champions global trust model
As the world races to build cleaner energy systems and powerful AI technologies, the demand for critical minerals—like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths—is soaring. But with this demand comes rising global tension over who controls these resources. University of Delaware Professor Saleem Ali, an international expert in environmental policy and chair of UD's Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, is suggesting a new way forward. In a new article published in Science, along with a United Nations policy brief, Ali and his coauthors propose the creation of a Global Minerals Trust. The article notes how the international plan would help countries work together to manage and share critical minerals fairly and sustainably—avoiding political fights, price shocks and environmental damage. “Without a shared framework, we risk deepening global inequalities, triggering unnecessary resource conflicts and undermining our ability to deliver on climate goals,” says Ali, who also leads the Critical Minerals and Inclusive Energy Transition program at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. The proposed Trust would use independent checks—similar to those used in nuclear safety—to make sure countries are meeting environmental and social standards. Each nation would keep control of its own resources but agree to prioritize sales of those minerals at market prices so that they can be used for clean energy infrastructure. The article builds on a TED Talk that Ali gave last year as part of the Rockefeller Foundation's "Big Bets" initiative. Ali is available for interviews on the topic and can be reached by clicking on his profile.