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Northwestern University Settle Antisemitism Cases – $75M Payment

by Victoria Sterling -Business Editor
written by Victoria Sterling -Business Editor

Northwestern‌ University

Agreed to ⁢pay ​$75 million to the U.S. government

to end investigations⁣ and restore federal research funding.

Trump administration cut ⁢off $790​ million in grants.

Contributed to university layoffs and the resignation of‍ Northwestern​ president Michael Schill.

Administration argued the school had not ⁢done enough to fight⁣ antisemitism.

Payment to the ⁣U.S. Treasury over the next three years.

Revoke the Deering Meadow agreement (signed ​April 2024).

In exchange for⁤ protesters ending their tent encampment.

Northwestern refused to cede control over​ hiring, admissions, or its curriculum.

“I would‌ not have signed this agreement without provisions ensuring that is the case,”

Continue compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws.

Develop training materials for “socializing” international students.

Uphold Title IX, including single-sex housing and ‌all-female sports facilities.

Deal cements policy changes to protect against harassment and discrimination.

Reforms are a roadmap to rebuild public trust in colleges and universities.

Trump leveraged federal research money to push for reforms.

Decried colleges as overrun by “woke” ideology.

Northwestern fine is the second-largest.

Columbia agreed to pay $200 million.

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World

Vatican Bank Rehires Couple Fired Over Marriage Rule

by Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor
written by Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor

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Vatican Bank Firings ‍and teh ⁤Hope for Papal Intervention

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A case ⁤involving a married couple ‍dismissed from the Vatican bank sparked calls for intervention,‌ highlighting tensions between institutional rules and evolving views on family values.

Last Updated: November⁤ 12, 2025, 18:50:44 PST

The Dismissal and initial Reactions

A married couple was terminated from their positions at the‍ Vatican bank (officially the Institute for the Works ​of⁤ Religion, or IOR) ⁤due to a violation of an internal policy prohibiting‌ marriages among employees. the dismissal, reported by ​the⁣ Associated Press on an unspecified​ date prior to November 12, 2025, ‍generated considerable‍ discussion regarding the appropriateness of such‌ a rule in the modern​ era.

The⁣ couple’s termination underscored a long-standing, though often quietly enforced, regulation within the IOR. This policy, intended to prevent potential conflicts‌ of interest, was​ seen​ by some ‍as outdated and insensitive, notably given Pope Francis’s public emphasis on the importance of family.

pope ⁤Francis and Family values: A Contradiction?

Observers expressed⁤ hope for an‌ intervention by the late Pope Francis, who was ⁢pontiff ⁤at⁢ the ‌time, given his consistent ⁣emphasis ⁣on family values. ⁣Throughout his ​papacy, Pope Francis frequently​ spoke of ⁢the sanctity of⁤ marriage and ⁢the importance of supporting‍ families. ‍ This⁣ created‌ a ‌perceived dissonance‍ between his public pronouncements ⁢and‌ the IOR’s strict employment policy.

Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical,⁣ Laudato⁤ Si’, ‌while primarily focused on environmental⁤ concerns, also touched upon the importance of human dignity and the role ⁢of the family in society. His consistent messaging promoted a more‍ inclusive and compassionate ⁢approach to pastoral​ care, leading many to believe he would be ⁤sympathetic to the couple’s ⁤situation.

IOR⁤ Policies and Historical Context

The ⁣IOR’s ⁤prohibition ‍on employee ‍marriages dates back several decades, ⁣originating from concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the safeguarding of the institution’s financial integrity. The bank, responsible for managing the Vatican’s assets, has ⁢historically been⁢ subject to scrutiny regarding‌ openness and accountability.

The rule was not unique to the Vatican; similar restrictions have existed in other financial institutions to ‍mitigate risks associated with familial relationships influencing financial decisions. However, the Vatican’s application ⁤of the ⁤rule drew criticism ⁢due to⁣ its perceived inflexibility⁣ and the contrast with Pope ⁤Francis’s broader pastoral approach.

Impact and Potential Reforms

The‍ case prompted renewed debate about the need​ for modernization within the ‍Vatican bureaucracy. Calls for a review of‍ the IOR’s employment policies increased, with ⁢advocates arguing for a more nuanced approach that balances institutional safeguards with respect ‌for employees’ personal lives.

While it ‍is unclear whether Pope Francis directly intervened in ⁤this specific case, the incident‌ contributed to a broader conversation about the need for​ greater ​transparency and accountability within the Vatican’s financial ‍institutions. Subsequent reforms aimed to address ‍these concerns, though​ the specific impact on the marriage policy remains ⁢a​ subject of ​ongoing discussion.

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Business

Trump Admin SNAP Benefits Payment Ruling

by Victoria Sterling -Business Editor
written by Victoria Sterling -Business Editor

Okay,​ here’s a draft article based on your requirements, aiming for complete coverage, E-E-A-T principles, ‍and the specified HTML ​elements. ⁤ It’s long -⁤ this ⁢is intentional,‌ to demonstrate⁢ the “substantial expansion” you requested. ⁢I’ve ⁢included ⁤placeholders for data tables where appropriate, and areas for‌ further research/expansion. I’ve also included a self-check section at the end.

Please ⁣read the ‍”Important ‍Notes” section at ​the vrey‌ end before considering ⁢this complete.

SNAP Benefits ​fully Funded for November amid Government Shutdown: ​A Deep‌ Dive

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Updated November ​10,‍ 2025, 8:00 PM EST

The fate of food assistance for over 42 million Americans hung in ‌the balance as a federal appeals ⁢court declined ‌to block‌ a lower court order mandating full ​SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for November, even ​as the‍ US government remained in ⁣a partial shutdown. This ‍article provides a comprehensive overview of the⁤ situation,its legal background,potential impacts,and what⁣ comes⁣ next.

The Crisis Unfolds: Shutdown ‌and SNAP Funding

The current crisis stems⁢ from⁢ the ongoing government shutdown, ​which began on October ⁤1, 2025, ‍due ‌to congress’s failure to pass a ⁢stopgap funding ‌appropriation. SNAP, administered by the USDA’s​ Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), is typically funded through annual ⁤appropriations. Without a budget ⁤in place, the​ administration sought to fund SNAP at approximately 65% of its usual level,​ utilizing a contingency fund. ‌⁤ This reduction would have left millions facing important food insecurity.

Understanding SNAP’s Importance:

* ⁣ Reach: ⁤ Approximately 1 in 8 Americans ⁣(over 42 million people) ‌participate in SNAP.
* demographics: SNAP ⁤recipients include ⁤families with children, seniors, individuals⁣ with disabilities, and low-income workers.
* Economic Impact: ‌ SNAP benefits‍ inject billions of dollars into the economy, supporting grocery stores, farmers,⁤ and food distributors. (Further research needed⁤ to quantify⁣ the⁤ multiplier ‌effect in 2025).
* Benefit Levels: Average monthly benefit per person: $281.00 (October 2025 figures).⁤ Benefit amounts vary based on⁢ household ⁣size, income, and expenses.

The Legal⁢ Challenge: Rhode Island and‌ Judge McConnell’s Ruling

The legal challenge originated in Rhode Island, where Attorney General Peter‍ Kilmartin filed a ⁢lawsuit ⁢against the USDA, arguing that the administration’s plan to reduce SNAP benefits ⁣was unlawful. Judge jack McConnell‌ ruled⁣ in favor of Rhode Island, ordering the USDA ⁣to fully fund SNAP ⁢benefits for‍ November using Section 32 funds – a source of funding typically reserved for agricultural purchases.

Section ​32⁣ Funds: A Closer Look

Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act⁣ of 1933 provides a‍ dedicated‍ funding stream for the purchase‌ of agricultural commodities. Traditionally, these funds are used to support domestic agriculture by buying ​surplus ⁣products and distributing them to⁤ schools, food banks, and other institutions. Judge McConnell’s order⁢ directed the USDA to repurpose these funds ⁢to cover‍ the SNAP shortfall,⁤ a move the administration vehemently opposed.

The Administration’s Argument:

The Justice Department argued that McConnell’s order represented an overreach of judicial ⁣authority and a violation of⁣ the separation of powers. ‍ They contended that ⁣the ‌judge was effectively rewriting the ⁤budget and diverting funds appropriated ⁣for other ⁢critical food ⁣security programs. ⁣ They also emphasized ‍that the‌ “crisis” could only⁢ be resolved through congressional action.

The 1st Circuit’s Decision and Supreme

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World

Supreme Court Skeptical of Trump Tariffs

by Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor
written by Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor

Here’s ‍a⁢ breakdown of ⁤teh key information from the provided text,focusing on the Supreme Court case regarding Trump’s tariffs:

The Core Issue:

* The​ Supreme Court is hearing a ​case challenging⁣ the legality of tariffs imposed by former President Trump. These tariffs‌ were levied on goods from various countries (including Canada, China,⁤ Mexico, India, ​and Brazil) under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
* The central⁢ question ‍is‌ whether ⁤Trump overstepped‌ his authority by using IEEPA to impose tariffs, which the​ plaintiffs argue is a power reserved for Congress (the power to tax).

Arguments:

* Trump’s Defence (represented by Sauer):

​ * ​ The tariffs are “regulatory‍ tariffs,” not taxes,and revenue ‌generation ‍is merely “incidental.”
⁢ * IEEPA⁢ grants ⁢the ⁣President the power to regulate foreign commerce, justifying the tariffs.
* Plaintiffs’ Argument (represented by Katyal):

*⁢ ‌ “Tariffs are taxes,” and the ⁤Constitution gives the⁢ power to tax exclusively to Congress.
‍* ⁤ Trump’s use ‌of IEEPA⁣ to impose​ tariffs disrupts the established global tariff system.
⁢ ‌ * Trump ⁢imposed tariffs‍ even on countries‍ with which the U.S.has a ‌trade surplus (like Switzerland), demonstrating the tariffs aren’t solely about trade‍ imbalances.

Justices’ Concerns:

* Sonia Sotomayor: directly ⁣stated tariffs are ⁤taxes, generating⁢ revenue from American ⁤citizens.
*‌ ⁣ Neil Gorsuch: ⁤ Worried about a “one-way ⁣ratchet” where presidential power continually expands at the ‌expense ⁢of Congress. He questioned whether‍ Congress ‍could effectively reclaim the power⁢ once it’s been delegated.
* John ⁣Roberts,⁤ Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and⁢ Samuel Alito: Also pressed Sauer with challenging questions.
* General Concern: ‍ Several justices questioned⁢ why no‌ othre president had used IEEPA⁣ in ​this way.

Financial Implications:

* The tariffs ⁣could ⁣generate ​$3 trillion in extra revenue for ⁢the ‍U.S. by​ 2035.
* Customs duties collected in the second‌ half of fiscal year 2025 were $151 billion, a nearly‌ 300% increase from the same period ‌in fiscal year 2024.

Current Status:

*‍ ⁣The Court heard over 2.5 hours of arguments but has‍ not yet issued a ruling.
* The ⁢timing of the decision is unclear.

Key ⁤Countries Mentioned Regarding‌ Tariffs:

* ​ Canada
* China
* ⁢ Mexico
* India
* ⁣ Brazil
* Switzerland

The case has significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and ​legislative branches, and for the future of U.S. trade policy.

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