Higher

Meet May Mailman: The Harvard Lawyer Shaping Controversial Higher Ed Policies in Trump’s Administration

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May Mailman has become a significant yet under-the-radar figure in U.S. higher education policy during her tenure in the Trump administration. The Harvard-trained lawyer has been instrumental in formulating policies aimed at some of the nation’s most esteemed universities, challenging long-standing core values such as academic freedom and diversity initiatives. In August 2025, Mailman stepped down from her role as deputy assistant to the president and senior policy strategist. While she has left her official position, she continues to play a role as a special government employee, engaged in critical negotiations, including discussions with Harvard … Read more

Virginia Unveils Series of Tough New Traffic Laws: Stricter Seat Belt Rules and Higher Towing Fees Take Effect

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Virginia’s updated traffic laws took effect on Monday, bringing significant changes that are expected to affect drivers throughout the state, particularly in the Hampton Roads region. One of the most notable updates is a modification to photo speed enforcement in school zones. Under new legislation, drivers caught speeding by cameras in these areas will no longer face penalties unless the ticket clearly indicates that the school zone was active at the time, which must be evidenced by flashing lights, signs, or other indicators. Additionally, failing to stop for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users has … Read more

Study Links Looser License Renewal Laws for Elderly with Higher Crash Rates in Iowa

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Cedar Rapids, Iowa — A recent study from researchers at the University of Iowa indicates a concerning trend: states that have relaxed driver’s license renewal requirements for older drivers are experiencing an uptick in traffic accidents. This shift in policy could be making roads less safe, particularly for elderly motorists. Previously, Iowa mandated that drivers aged 72 and above renew their licenses every two years. However, the state altered its regulations in 2020, extending this requirement to every four years for those under the age of 78. Meanwhile, drivers younger than 70 have the option … Read more

Revamping Jury Duty: States Consider Higher Pay and Efficient Processes to Boost Diversity and Ease Financial Strain

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Jury duty, long considered a cornerstone of the U.S. justice system intended to reflect a broad spectrum of society, has increasingly been perceived as an onerous obligation. Across the country, from federal to local levels, the functional ideal of a jury—an equitable representation of peer judgment—faces practical hurdles. Jurors often must sacrifice income and time, raising concerns about the diverse makeup and fairness of these small bodies empowered to deliver monumental decisions. In 2023, revelations from multiple reports illuminated a jarring disparity in juror compensation, which in some cases, is as low as $4 per … Read more