The Bridge

Harvard fights to keep enrolling international students – 4 essential reads about their broader impact

Published

1 week ago

June 2, 2025

The Conversation

international students — Graduates of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government celebrate during commencement exercises in Cambridge, Mass. AP Photo/Steven Senne, File

Corey Mitchell, The Conversation A federal judge in Boston on May 23, 2025, temporarily blocked a Trump administration order that would have revoked Harvard University’s authorization to enroll international students. The directive from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and resulting lawsuit from Harvard have escalated the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution. It’s also the latest step in a White House campaign to ramp up vetting and screening of foreign nationals, including students. Homeland Security officials accused Harvard of creating a hostile campus climate by accommodating “anti-American” and “pro-terrorist agitators.” The accusation stems from the university’s alleged support for certain political groups and their activities on campus. In early April, the Trump administration terminated the immigration statuses of thousands of international students listed in a government database, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The database includes country of citizenship, which U.S. school they attend and what they study. Barring Harvard from enrolling international students could have significant implications for the campus’s climate and the local economy. International students account for 27% of the university’s enrollment. Here are four stories from The Conversation’s archive about the Trump administration’s battle with Harvard and the economic impact of international students.

1. A target on Harvard

This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has targeted the university. The White House has threatened to end the university’s tax-exempt status, and some media outlets have reported that the Internal Revenue Service is taking steps in that direction. But it is illegal to revoke an entity’s tax-emempt status “on a whim,” according to Philip Hackney, a University of Pittsburgh law professor, and Brian Mittendorf, an accounting professor at Ohio State University. “Before the IRS can do that, tax law requires that it first audit that charity,” they wrote. “And it’s illegal for U.S. presidents or other officials to force the IRS to conduct an audit or stop one that’s already begun.” Several U.S. senators, all Democrats, have urged the IRS inspector general to see whether the IRS has begun auditing Harvard or any nonprofits in response to the administration’s requests or whether Trump has violated any laws with his pressure campaign. Hackney and Mittendorf wrote that the Trump administration’s moves are part of a larger push to exert control over Harvard, including its efforts to increase its diversity and its response to claims of discrimination on campus.

Young people walk and bike along a paved road lined with red brick buildings on one side and trees on the other. — University of Michigan students on campus on April 3, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

2. International students help keep ‘America First’

The U.S. has long been the global leader in attracting international students. But competition for these students is increasing as other countries vie to attract the scholars. In a recent story for The Conversation, David L. Di Maria, vice provost for global engagement at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, wrote that stepped-up screening and vetting of students could make the U.S. a less attractive study destination. Di Maria wrote that such efforts could hamper the Trump administration’s ability to achieve its “America First” priorities related to the economy, science and technology, and national security. Trump administration officials have emphasized the importance of recruiting top global talent. And Trump has said that international students who graduate from U.S. colleges should be awarded a green card with their degree. Research shows that international students launch successful startups at a rate that is eight to nine times higher than their U.S.-born peers. Roughly 25% of billion-dollar companies in the U.S. were founded by former international students, Di Maria noted.

3. A boost to local economies

Indeed, international students have a tremendous economic impact on local communities. If these global scholars stay home or go elsewhere, that’s bad economic news for cities and towns across the United States, wrote Barnet Sherman, a professor of multinational finance and trade at Boston University. With the money they spend on tuition, food, housing and other other items, international students pump money into the local economy, but there are additional benefits. On average, a new job is created for every three international students enrolled in a U.S. college or university. In the 2023-24 academic year, about 378,175 jobs were created, Sherman wrote. In Greater Boston, where Harvard is located, there are about 63,000 international students who contribute to the economy. The gains are huge – about US$3 billion.

4. Rising number of international students

The rising number of foreign students studying in the U.S. has long led to concerns about U.S. students being displaced by international peers. The unease is often fueled by the assumption that financial interests are driving the trend, Cynthia Miller-Idriss of American University and Bernhard Streitwieser of George Washington University wrote in a 2015 story for The Conversation. A common claim, they wrote, is the flawed assumption that “cash-strapped public universities” aggressively recruit more affluent students from abroad who can afford to pay rising tuition costs. The pair wrote that, historically, shifting demographics on college campuses result from social and economic changes. In today’s context, Miller-Idriss and Streitwieser maintain that the argument that colleges prioritize international students fails to account for the global role of U.S. universities, which help support national security, foster international development projects and accelerate the pace of globalization. This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversation’s archives. Corey Mitchell, Education Editor, The Conversation This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Get Ready for Takeoff: The LAX/Metro Transit Center is Now Open!

“No traffic, no hassle – LAX/Metro Transit Center opens June 6, connecting LA directly to the airport via rail for the first time.”

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 2025

Rod Washington, Railfan Rod

A new era of seamless airport connectivity arrives in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – The wait is finally over. After years of anticipation, the LAX/Metro Transit Center officially opened its doors on June 6, 2025, marking a transformative moment for Los Angeles transportation infrastructure. This isn’t just another transit station – it’s a game-changer that connects the sprawling metropolis directly to one of the world’s busiest airports.

From LA to LAX, Seamlessly

The new LAX/Metro Transit Center represents more than just concrete and steel; it’s the realization of a long-held dream for car-free airport access in Los Angeles. The station creates a direct connection between Metro’s C Line (Green) and K Line (Crenshaw/LAX) to LAX terminals via free airport shuttles, offering travelers a faster, more convenient alternative to navigating LA’s notorious traffic.

“No traffic, no hassle” – that’s the promise this new facility delivers to the millions of passengers who pass through LAX annually. For residents across LA County, this means saying goodbye to expensive parking fees, ride-share surge pricing, and the stress of driving in airport traffic.

A Transit Hub with Artistic Soul

The centerpiece of the LAX/Metro Transit Center is “The Distance of the Sun,” a breathtaking sculpture by artist Glenn Kaino. Suspended above the escalators, this spiral of real and imagined spacecraft symbolizes our collective dreams of exploration and connection – a fitting metaphor for a facility that literally connects ground to sky.

The artwork transforms what could have been just another utilitarian transit space into something that speaks to the human spirit of adventure and discovery. It’s these thoughtful touches that elevate public infrastructure from merely functional to truly inspiring.

What This Means for LA Communities

The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center extends far beyond convenience for air travelers. This facility represents a significant investment in sustainable transportation, reducing vehicle emissions and traffic congestion throughout the region. For communities along the C and K Lines, it opens up new employment opportunities at LAX and related businesses.

The economic ripple effects are substantial. Workers living in areas served by these rail lines now have direct, affordable access to one of LA’s largest employment centers. Similarly, tourists and business travelers can now explore neighborhoods throughout LA County without needing a rental car.

Getting There: Your Connection Options

The LAX/Metro Transit Center is accessible via:

Metro Rail Lines:

C Line (Green Line)
K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line)

Metro Bus Lines: Multiple bus routes connect to the station, creating a comprehensive network that serves communities across LA County.

Other Transportation Services: The station also accommodates various other bus services, making it a true multimodal transportation hub.

What Travelers Can Expect

The facility features modern amenities designed with the traveler in mind:

Security cameras and enhanced lighting for safety
Real-time train arrival information
Clean, comfortable restrooms
A bike hub for cyclists
Climate-controlled waiting areas

Location: 9225 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

A Celebration Worth Noting

To mark this historic opening, Metro offered free rides system-wide from Friday through Sunday during the opening weekend – a gesture that allowed the entire community to experience this new connection firsthand.

Looking Forward

The LAX/Metro Transit Center represents more than just improved airport access; it’s a symbol of Los Angeles’ commitment to sustainable, equitable transportation solutions. As the region continues to grow and evolve, infrastructure projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful planning can create connections that benefit entire communities.

For frequent flyers, daily commuters, and occasional travelers alike, the LAX/Metro Transit Center offers something that seemed impossible just a few years ago: a stress-free way to get to and from LAX. In a city where traffic is legendary, that’s nothing short of revolutionary.

The LAX/Metro Transit Center is located at 9225 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045. For trip planning and current schedules, visit metro.net.

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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The Bridge

Getting More Than You Give: How students can support veterans in their communities

Published

2 days ago

June 11, 2025

Daily News Staff

Support Veterans

(Family Features) For those who have served in the U.S. armed forces, transitioning back to civilian life can be a challenge. However, community support can help make the transition easier for many veterans and provide those who offer that support – particularly young people – with rewarding opportunities and insight. Take, for example, Daniel Finney, who started volunteering at a local Department of Veterans Affairs hospital where his mother worked when he was 13 years old. At first, his mother simply wanted him to learn from the veterans and their experiences, but volunteering changed the trajectory of Finney’s life. He volunteered almost daily for the next 10 years, even inviting his friends to join him at the hospital. From that experience, Finney built valuable skills and chose to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. “I chose to volunteer at the hospital not only because it was a great opportunity, but because I wanted to give back to our nation’s heroes who I felt were too often overlooked,” Finney said. “In addition, volunteering with dedicated health care professionals allowed me to discover the actual purpose for my current career path.” Not only did Finney reap personal rewards from volunteering and make a real difference in the lives of veterans, he also received tens of thousands of dollars in college scholarship money from DAV (Disabled American Veterans). The organization annually offers $110,000 in scholarships to student volunteers to be used toward accredited higher learning, including universities, colleges, community colleges and vocational schools. “I look at this scholarship as another door opening up,” Finney said. “This has allowed me to do so many things. One of them is to pay for college. I want to continue to be a civil servant wherever I go. I want to continue to help veterans, whether that’s a part of my job or whether I’m still volunteering. It can be working at a hospital or helping with a food drive for the homeless veteran community. It can be anything. I now have that desire ingrained in me to continue to serve our veterans.” These scholarships are open to students age 21 or younger who have contributed a minimum of 100 cumulative volunteer hours credited through DAV or DAV Auxiliary. Students can be nominated or may apply with the inclusion of an essay on what volunteering for veterans means to them. Learn more at DAVScholarships.org. For students, or anyone interested in giving back, consider a few other ideas for supporting the nation’s veterans. Express Your Gratitude Simply saying “thank you” can go a long way in expressing gratitude to veterans. Whether it’s through a handwritten note, a heartfelt conversation or a public acknowledgment at a community event, showing appreciation can help veterans feel valued and recognized for their service. Raise Awareness for Veterans’ Needs Learning about the challenges veterans face, such as service-related health issues, homelessness and underemployment, then advocating for supportive legislation and programming can go a long way toward improving their situations. For example, Amelia Marcum, another DAV scholarship recipient, developed a Native American veterans resource guide designed to provide veterans with key information about federal, state, community and tribal-based programs. She worked closely with Vietnam veteran and North Dakota state Sen. Richard Marcellais to bring the guide, which is now used by five tribal veterans resource service centers, to fruition. “Volunteering to serve the veteran community has been immensely transformative for me,” said Marcum, a direct descendent of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. “I discovered a profound sense of purpose in elevating support systems for Native veterans, a community that serves at the highest rates among ethnic groups yet often faces significant challenges in accessing the benefits they rightfully deserve.” Support Veteran-Owned Businesses Many veterans transition into entrepreneurship after their military careers, and your patronage not only helps their businesses thrive, but also puts money back into the local community. Look for veteran-owned businesses or use online directories to find veteran entrepreneurs when searching for specific goods and services. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures

SOURCE: DAV

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City

Historic Day at Central and Baseline: South Phoenix Celebrates Light Rail Connection

Published

3 days ago

June 9, 2025

Rod Washington, Railfan Rod

South Phoenix Light Rail Extension

Standing at the Central and Baseline terminus on Saturday, June 7, 2025, I witnessed more than just a ribbon cutting ceremony – I watched a community celebrate the end of decades of waiting and the beginning of a new era of connectivity. More than 5,000 community members, federal, state, and local officials gathered at this southern terminus to mark the opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, transforming Valley Metro into Phoenix’s first-ever two-line rail system.

A Moment Decades in the Making

The energy at Central and Baseline was electric as speakers took the stage to commemorate this $1.34 billion achievement. What struck me most was how each speaker emphasized not just the infrastructure, but the human impact of finally connecting South Phoenix to the broader Valley.

Mayor Kate Gallego captured the significance perfectly: “The completion of this project marks an important new connection for residents and moves us closer to our goals as a sustainable and accessible city. This historic extension introduces the region’s first two-line rail system, creates safer streets and new bike lanes, and adds shade and public art– all while connecting more residents to jobs, education, entertainment and other amenities across the Valley.”

Her words resonated with the crowd because they spoke to something deeper than transportation – they spoke to equity, opportunity, and community empowerment.

Federal Partnership, Local Impact

U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton’s remarks highlighted the crucial federal-local partnership that made this project possible, with federal grants providing more than half of the $1.34 billion funding alongside Phoenix Transportation 2050 and regional Proposition 400 investments.

“Arizonans understand that these infrastructure investments make us more connected and more prosperous,” Stanton told the gathered crowd. “As we now look westward for future light rail expansion and anticipate the extensions of the streetcar line in the East Valley, we’re in a magical moment in Phoenix’s history, and we can only keep up this momentum if we keep investing in ourselves.”

His vision of continued expansion gave the celebration a forward-looking energy – this wasn’t just an ending, but a beginning.

@stmblog
South Phoenix celebrates new light rail connection, marking a historic milestone in equity, transit, and community investment. SouthPhoenix, LightRail, TransitEquity, ValleyMetro, CommunityConnection www.stmdailynews.com ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews

Community Voices Finally Heard

The most powerful moments came when local council members spoke about what this extension means to their constituents. Phoenix District 7 Councilwoman Anna Hernandez’s excitement was palpable as she addressed the crowd:

“I am excited for the opening of the South Central Extension! The residents of South Phoenix and District 7 have waited a long time for light rail and I am excited for how this new extension will connect South Phoenix with the rest of the city. A robust public transportation and light rail are the future for our city and I am excited for how South Phoenix residents will benefit.”

Phoenix District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington delivered perhaps the most emotionally resonant speech of the day, speaking directly to the historical significance of this moment:

“This grand opening marks a transformative moment for South Phoenix. The South Central Extension represents direct access to local businesses and a community that has historically been disconnected and overlooked. South Phoenix deserves investment, inclusion and infrastructure that lifts everyone around it, and that is the vision of the light rail extension.”

Her words captured what many in the crowd were feeling – this wasn’t just about trains, it was about recognition, respect, and long-overdue investment in their community.

Valley Metro’s Vision Realized

Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller’s remarks tied together the technical achievement with the community impact:

“Today we are celebrating 5.5 new rail miles and the transformation of Valley Metro Rail into a multi-line operation, creating an important new connection to South Phoenix. We built this project with the community to achieve their vision, and we will continue to advance the community’s vision to connect to the West and East Valleys, and bring greater mobility and economic opportunity to more of metro Phoenix.”

Her emphasis on building “with the community” was evident throughout the project, from the 18 public art installations created predominantly by local artists to the Small Business Financial Assistance Program that awarded over 270 grants totaling more than $1.6 million to corridor businesses.

Beyond the Speeches: Community Celebration

While the speeches provided the official framework for understanding this achievement, the real story was in the community celebration surrounding them. The “Cruisin’ Central” procession brought over 250 community participants together, while the lowrider and classic car show, local entertainers, and more than 60 local business pop-ups created a festival atmosphere that truly reflected South Phoenix’s character.

Standing at that terminus, watching families explore the new station, seeing local business owners setting up their booths, and witnessing the pride on faces throughout the crowd, it was clear this project succeeded in its most important goal – bringing a community together and giving them a reason to celebrate.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The extension will add more than 8,000 daily riders to Valley Metro’s system, which currently serves 32,000 boardings per day. But beyond ridership, the project created over 5,000 local jobs, with more than 600 workers hired directly from South Phoenix communities. Eight new stations, enhanced bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, over 550 new trees, and comprehensive utility upgrades that replaced more than 30 miles of underground infrastructure represent a complete community transformation.

A Foundation for the Future

As the ribbon cutting ceremony concluded and the first official rides began, it was clear that Saturday’s celebration at Central and Baseline represented more than just project completion. With the A line now running east/west and the B line traveling north/south, creating a true network with 12-minute weekday service before 7 p.m., Phoenix has built the foundation for continued expansion and economic growth.

The speeches from our elected officials weren’t just ceremonial – they were promises. Promises that South Phoenix would no longer be overlooked, that investment would continue, and that this extension would be the first of many connections that bind our community together.

Standing at that terminus, surrounded by thousands of neighbors celebrating this long-awaited achievement, I couldn’t help but think about all the daily journeys that will begin and end at this very spot. Every commute to work, every trip to school, every visit to family – they all represent the fulfillment of a community’s dreams and the power of persistent advocacy.

The rails are laid, the stations are open, and South Phoenix is finally connected.—

Source: Valley Metro

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

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