Katherine Knott

Katherine Knott, News Editor at Inside Higher Ed, dives into the shifts in federal higher education policy following the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill. She discusses staffing challenges at the education department and the implications for institutions like the University of Virginia amid federal pressures. The conversation also highlights new funding reforms, including changes to student loans and the significance of stronger FAFSA applicant rates. With exciting predictions for future legislative battles, it's a crucial update on the evolving landscape of higher education.

Jessica Blake, a federal policy reporter with a focus on U.S. higher education, and Katherine Knott, a news editor covering higher ed trends, dive into the pivotal policy stories of 2025. They discuss the groundbreaking 'Big Beautiful Bill' (OB3) and its sweeping changes, including loan caps and Workforce Pell guardrails. The duo highlights the shifting federal-state relationship, the growing impact of anti-DEI laws, and potential reforms in accreditation. Listeners gain insight into the challenges and implications for higher education's future.

Katherine Knott, news editor at Inside Higher Ed, dives into recent higher education policies with Sara Custer. They discuss the controversial higher ed compact, revealing universities’ mixed reactions—some accept, some dodge. The conversation also covers alarming TRIO funding cuts affecting approximately 43,000 students and UVA's complicated fallout leading to their president's resignation. Finally, they explore how the Department of Education is functioning amid layoffs and the repercussions of the government shutdown on essential higher ed services.