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University of Utah Slashes 81 Programs Under State-Mandated Overhaul

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The University of Utah will cut more than 80 academic programs after a review ordered under a new state law aimed at redirecting funds toward workforce-driven fields. The move is projected to save nearly $20 million, which will be reinvested into programs such as nursing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and behavioral health.

The cuts stem from House Bill 265, passed earlier this year, which required Utah’s public universities to reduce “inefficient” programs and shift resources toward high-demand areas. Lawmakers mandated a 10% reduction in instructional budgets, with funding restored only if universities demonstrated compliance with the realignment.

A total of 81 programs are being discontinued, ranging from undergraduate certificates to doctoral degrees. Eliminated offerings include modern dance, mining engineering, a PhD in theater, a PhD in experimental pathology, and a master’s in educational psychology. University leaders said many of these programs had graduated zero to one student in the past eight years, failing to justify continued funding.

The university’s Academic Senate supported the decision, describing the cuts as a “data-driven process.” Officials emphasized that affected students will receive “teach-out” plans to complete their degrees or be redirected to similar programs. Administrators also confirmed the savings will be phased into reinvestment over three years, with the full transition complete by 2028.

Supporters argue the overhaul will better align higher education with Utah’s workforce needs and strengthen student career prospects. Critics, however, warn that the move narrows academic diversity and sidelines fields important for cultural and intellectual growth.

The program cuts mark a significant shift under the University of Utah’s “Impact 2030” vision, which seeks to expand enrollment while streamlining offerings. By prioritizing career-oriented education, the university is positioning itself as a test case for how public higher education can respond to legislative demands for efficiency and accountability.

Milwaukee Judge Denied Immunity in ICE Obstruction Case

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Gavel (Zolnierek/Getty Images via Canva Pro)

A federal judge has ruled that Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan must face trial on charges that she obstructed immigration enforcement. Dugan, accused of helping an illegal immigrant evade arrest, argued that judicial immunity shielded her from prosecution. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman rejected that claim, stating immunity does not extend to criminal conduct.

The case stems from allegations that Dugan escorted a defendant through a non-public courthouse exit in 2019 to help him avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers waiting to detain him. Prosecutors charged her with felony obstruction and misdemeanor concealment of a person to prevent arrest. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison and $350,000 in fines.

Dugan’s attorneys contended that her actions fell within her judicial role and that prosecuting her violated the Tenth Amendment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph earlier recommended allowing the case to proceed, a recommendation Adelman has now affirmed. The court concluded that while judges enjoy immunity in civil matters, they remain accountable under criminal law when acting outside their lawful authority.

The Trump administration’s Justice Department pushed the case forward, emphasizing the federal government’s authority over immigration enforcement. Supporters argue the prosecution is necessary to deter local officials from undermining federal law. Critics contend it threatens judicial independence and represents an aggressive use of federal power.

The ruling ensures that the high-profile trial will move ahead, highlighting the ongoing clash between federal immigration enforcement and local resistance. It also establishes a clear precedent that judges cannot use immunity to shield themselves from criminal accountability.

Trump Rakes In $1.5 Billion Post-Election, Fueling GOP Midterm Machine

President Trump announced this week that his political operation has raised over $1.5 billion since winning the 2024 election. The massive post-election haul solidifies his continued dominance over Republican politics and positions his network as the financial backbone for a GOP surge in the 2026 midterms. Funds have flowed through multiple entities including MAGA Inc. and the leadership PAC Never Surrender.

MAGA Inc. alone brought in nearly $177 million in the first half of 2025. Never Surrender added another $28 million. As of June, cash reserves across Trump-aligned committees totaled $234 million. These figures are uncommon for a second-term president, marking a deliberate strategy to maintain political influence beyond the Oval Office.

The Trump team has ramped up fundraising through digital outreach, high-dollar donor events, and merchandise campaigns. The operation is leveraging the enduring strength of the MAGA base, with small-dollar donors continuing to fuel the movement. According to campaign insiders, the goal is to secure Republican control of Congress, shield allies from Democrat-led investigations, and keep President Trump’s political agenda at the forefront.

In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized that the money raised since the “Great Presidential Election of 2024” is part of a broader effort to Make America Great Again. Analysts note that this ongoing fundraising reflects a shift in presidential leadership, where traditional limits on political campaigning have faded and the president remains an active party leader.

Despite criticism from political opponents, Trump’s fundraising juggernaut shows no signs of slowing. The war chest is already shaping the 2026 battlefield, with targeted spending expected in swing districts and Senate races.

Prince Andrew Hits ‘All-Time Low’ as Virginia Giuffre Memoir Looms

London (Sabrina Mazzeo/Unsplash)

Prince Andrew is facing a profound crisis of purpose and reputation as the posthumous memoir of his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, prepares for publication this October. Royal commentators describe the Duke as emotionally adrift—a “rudderless ship” haunted by the enduring fallout of his association with Jeffrey Epstein and Giuffre’s allegations.

Royal experts paint a somber scene: secluded at Royal Lodge and increasingly isolated from Buckingham Palace and Balmoral, Andrew is said to be mourning everything that once defined him. The memoir, Nobody’s Girl, is expected to revive scrutiny right as the Duke’s last remnants of relevance continue slipping away.

Giuffre’s memoir, co-authored with Amy Wallace, promises “intimate, disturbing and heartbreaking new details,” including her own experience of systemic failure and alleged encounters with high-profile individuals, including Andrew. The book, fully vetted and fact-checked according to the publisher, was her heartfelt wish to see the light of day even after her tragic death in April 2025.

Supporters of the Duke are bracing themselves. Some loyal to Andrew have already attempted to discredit Giuffre’s narrative, citing her past retraction of allegations against lawyer Alan Dershowitz. Nonetheless, experts warn that the memoir’s well-researched nature and emotional weight will likely deepen the damage to the royal family, especially the York branch.

Trump Admin Eyes Strategic Industries, Rules Out Nvidia Investment

Scott Bessent (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The Trump administration is ruling out taking a stake in tech giant Nvidia, despite recent federal equity moves in companies like Intel and U.S. Steel. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the administration has “no intention” of acquiring shares in Nvidia, citing the company’s financial independence. The decision marks a shift in focus toward other key sectors vital to national security and U.S. self-sufficiency.

President Trump’s team has already secured a nearly 10% equity position in Intel and a “golden share” in U.S. Steel, granting federal oversight in both firms. These actions represent a bold, strategic pivot in industrial policy, described by some as a modern form of state-guided capitalism. Rather than bailouts or regulation alone, the administration is now engaging directly in ownership to ensure alignment with national interests.

Bessent indicated that the administration may next explore investments in industries like shipbuilding—sectors seen as critical for defense, manufacturing resilience, and long-term economic security. While details remain under consideration, the goal is to shore up industrial capabilities that have been weakened by decades of outsourcing and global dependency.

The moves have drawn criticism, including from within the Republican Party. Some lawmakers argue this approach resembles central planning and strays from conservative free-market principles. Others warn that government equity stakes could distort market dynamics and invite political interference. Nonetheless, the administration remains firm in its strategy, framing it as essential for economic sovereignty in an age of geopolitical uncertainty.

With Nvidia off the table, the Trump administration is signaling a selective, security-driven approach to industrial investment—targeting sectors that support American strength without compromising private-sector innovation.

George Mason’s Students for Justice in Palestine Air Terrorist-Style Recruitment Video

Palestine Protest (Manny Becerra/Unsplash)

The George Mason University chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) has released a video resembling terrorist propaganda, featuring masked figures, altered voices, and chants glorifying martyrdom and violent resistance. The video calls for the “liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea” and praises “our steadfast prisoners” and “our honorable martyrs.” The video’s tone, imagery, and soundtrack align with pro-Hamas messaging and glorify former Hamas commander Mohammed Deif.

One lyric states that the “blood” of an Israeli checkpoint officer “is kosher,” echoing genocidal rhetoric used by terrorist groups. The use of such language, combined with the masked narrator, has raised alarm as the fall semester begins.

This development comes just months after law enforcement raided the homes of SJP leaders in December, uncovering firearms, ammunition, and Palestinian terrorist flags. George Mason University suspended the chapter at the time. The new video appears to signal the group’s return to campus, despite ongoing investigations into antisemitism and campus extremism.

Students previously tied to SJP vandalized the university student center with “Glory to the Intifada” graffiti. Those same individuals now appear to be spearheading a renewed push for SJP visibility and influence. The Trump administration has reopened federal scrutiny into George Mason’s handling of antisemitism, particularly in light of this resurfaced SJP activity.

The Biden administration had largely ignored such incidents. However, with new leadership in Washington, university responses to radical student groups are under heightened review.

Faith-Fueled Surge: Grand Canyon University Hits 133,000 Enrollment

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Grand Canyon University (GCU), a Christian university based in Phoenix, Arizona, is set to reach a record 133,000 students for the 2025–2026 academic year. The milestone includes 25,000 on-campus students and 108,000 enrolled online, making GCU one of the largest private universities in the nation. This growth is driven by its commitment to Christian values, affordable education, and strong community life.

On-campus enrollment is up nearly 10% from the previous year. The university has frozen campus tuition for 17 straight years and kept online costs low. President Brian Mueller credits GCU’s appeal to four pillars: Christian worldview in academics, cost stability, vibrant campus life, and spiritual support. Internal surveys show over 90% of students feel spiritually supported, and most cite the tight-knit community as a reason for enrolling.

GCU’s housing system will serve nearly 17,000 students across 33 residence halls, ranking it first among private schools and second nationwide behind Michigan State. The university also ranks fourth nationally for dorm quality according to niche.com. Welcome Week kicks off August 25 with over 100 events, including the “Ignite” worship service, pep rally, and a Jake Scott concert. Classes begin September 2.

This explosive growth follows a major legal win. Under the Biden administration, federal regulators launched a lawsuit challenging GCU’s nonprofit status and marketing practices. After President Trump returned to office, the lawsuit was dropped, a $38 million fine rescinded, and the university’s nonprofit standing affirmed. GCU continues to expand as a model for Christian higher education rooted in integrity and resilience.

The Left’s Message Amidst Tragedy: ‘Stop Praying’

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Prayer (Patrick Fore/Unsplash)

In the wake of the horrific mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where a gunman opened fire during a morning Mass, killing two young children and injuring 17 others, we should all be united in grief and resolve.

Instead, prominent liberal voices like Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki have chosen to politicize the tragedy by dismissing the value of prayer, claiming “now is not the time.”

Comments like these are not just tone-deaf, they’re hypocritical and reveal a deeper disdain for faith when it doesn’t align with their agenda.

In a press conference following the shooting, Mayor Frey declared, “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying!” His rejection of prayer ignores the irony that these children were in worship when struck down, and it reeks of hypocrisy, given his own tearful kneeling at George Floyd’s golden casket five years ago; a moment praised as empathetic.

Jen Psaki echoed this with vitriol, tweeting, “Prayer is not freaking enough… Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”

As Christians, we see prayer as a lifeline to God who comforts the brokenhearted, not a distraction from action.

Her words mock the faith of the victims’ families at a Catholic school, dismissing the biblical truth that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Sadly, anti-prayer rhetoric from the left isn’t new; it’s a tired trope used to shame conservatives into silence while pushing for “action” that often means more restrictions on law-abiding citizens rather than tackling root causes like mental health crises, family breakdown, or the erosion of Judeo-Christian values in the public square.

The shooter, identified as 22-year-old Robert Westman, left behind notes citing depression, with hateful messages written on the firearms and magazines used in the horrific attack. Westman’s manifesto video, which has since been removed from YouTube, highlights a soul in torment who was confused about his identity, who lacked community, and most importantly, lacked faith.

Over the past decades, we’ve witnessed the secularization of public institutions, from schools to government, where faith is sidelined and moral absolutes are replaced with relativism. Young children are taught about gender theory and transition procedures, and resources are made available, all without parental consent or knowledge.

This moral ambiguity confuses children about their identity, resulting in questions like: Are there more than two genders? Did God assign me the wrong gender at birth? Am I a mistake?

Mental illness is spreading like a plague among younger generations, exacerbated by a culture that normalizes broken families, glorifies victimhood over resilience, and prioritizes political correctness over spiritual truth. Tragically, those in political office or a place of influence, like Frey and Psaki, uphold and amplify this decay through policies that undermine traditional values: defunding faith-based programs, promoting divisive social experiments in education, and scorning religious expression as outdated.

For conservative Christians, prayer is always appropriate, especially in tragedy; it’s what sustains us, unites us, and reminds us that true hope comes not from politicians but from the Prince of Peace.

As we mourn these precious lives lost in Minneapolis, let’s pray fervently—for the families, for justice, and for a nation that has forgotten its spiritual roots, urging a return to God before the plague of confusion and depression claims more innocent souls.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

India Pays the Price for Putin Alliance

Modi and Putin
(Photo by Ramil Sitdikov/Host Photo Agency/Ria Novosti via Getty Images)

President Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian imports took effect on August 27, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-India trade tensions. The move aims to penalize India for maintaining economic ties with Russia, particularly in the energy and defense sectors. India responded with an urgent push for economic self-reliance.

Prime Minister Modi stated, “We should become self-reliant – not out of desperation, but out of pride… Economic selfishness is on the rise globally and we mustn’t sit and cry about our difficulties, we must rise above and not allow others to hold us in their clutches.”

The tariffs apply to a wide range of Indian exports, including textiles, seafood, gems, and jewelry. These industries form the backbone of India’s export economy and employ millions. Trade hubs like Tiruppur, known for knitwear, and Surat, a global diamond-cutting center, are already reporting halted factory expansion plans and worker layoffs.

President Trump initially imposed a 25% tariff earlier in the year, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil and arms in violation of U.S. strategic interests. The new 50% tariff represents a further tightening of trade pressure, effectively doubling the cost of Indian goods entering the American market. The administration utilized powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to enforce the tariffs.

In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Indian citizens and businesses to “Make and Spend in India,” launching a nationwide economic campaign focused on domestic production and consumption. Modi urged the public to support homegrown industries and reduce dependence on foreign markets, positioning the move as both patriotic and practical.

Industry leaders warn that the tariffs may force buyers to redirect orders to regional competitors such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, or Mexico. This could realign global supply chains in ways that diminish India’s role in international trade. The Confederation of Indian Industry has expressed concern over long-term job losses and declining foreign investment.

Meanwhile, legal challenges are underway in the U.S. over the constitutionality of the tariffs. A federal appeals court is expected to rule on whether the use of IEEPA in this context oversteps executive authority.

The situation remains fluid, with economic, legal, and geopolitical ramifications still unfolding. As President Trump continues to assert America’s strategic and trade priorities, countries maintaining ties with U.S. adversaries may face similar consequences.

Enemy at the Edge: Russian Surveillance Planes Flood Alaskan Skies

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Russia flag (Canva Pro)

The U.S. military scrambled fighter jets four times in under a week to track a Russian IL‑20 reconnaissance aircraft near Alaska’s ADIZ, testing America’s airspace vigilance. NORAD emphasized the flights stayed in international airspace and posed no imminent threat.

A Russian IL‑20M (NATO codename “Coot‑A”), a Cold War‑era surveillance aircraft, was detected inside the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone—an area requiring aircraft to identify themselves—on four occasions in the past week: August 20, 21, 24, and most recently August 26, 2025.

Each time, NORAD responded decisively. In the latest incident on Tuesday, August 26, they dispatched two F‑16 Fighting Falcons, an E‑3 Sentry AWACS, and a KC‑135 tanker to track the intruder.

NORAD reiterated that the Russian IL‑20 remained in international airspace and did not enter U.S. or Canadian sovereign airspace. American defenders described the activity as routine, noting continued readiness with layered defense systems including satellites, radar networks, and interceptor aircraft.

The military command stated, “NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars, and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions…NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.”

This spate of Russian flights appears to be the busiest surge this year along that frontier, underscoring both the resilience of U.S. defense posture and the persistence of strategic probing by adversaries

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