Cato

The Cato Institute's immigration analyst Alex Nowrasteh reports that legal immigration from majority-Muslim countries has fallen by 96% since 2024. The finding points to a sharp collapse in green cards and other lawful admissions from those nations under current US policy. The figure is drawing attention in debates over the scope and targeting of recent immigration restrictions.

The Cato Institute argues that the Supreme Court's decision to reauthorize the SAVE student loan repayment program is being overstated by some commentators, and that its practical impact is smaller than claimed. The SAVE plan, an income-driven repayment scheme for federal student borrowers, has been a frequent target of litigation and political debate, making any court action on it headline-worthy.

Newly released wiretap transcripts and details about Andrea Stasi's shoes have become the latest elements in the Garlasco murder investigation, according to RaiNews. The developments are drawing wide attention in Italy, with discussion focusing on what the new evidence in the case involving the killing of Chiara Poggi may reveal as the inquiry continues.

Researchers report that fundamental kinematic indicators—the basic motion patterns of a surgeon's hands during robot-assisted procedures—can predict both levels of surgical expertise and clinical outcomes for patients. The findings, published in Nature, suggest objective movement data could be used to assess and train surgeons, moving evaluation beyond subjective supervision and toward measurable performance benchmarks in robotic surgery.

A market indicator is flashing a warning ahead of the historically strong November-to-April stretch, when the stock market typically delivers its best gains of the year. The signal suggests the usual seasonal rally could fail to materialise this time, prompting investors to question whether to position for the usual winter boom or brace for weakness instead.

Educators are arguing that in an era of instant answers from search engines and AI tools, children benefit from being allowed to grapple with problems before getting help. Supporters say productive struggle builds persistence, problem-solving skills and resilience, countering a culture of quick solutions. The argument has struck a chord with teachers and parents reconsidering how much help to give students.

A new weekly economic indicators report frames the current US economy as 'Guns 'N' Butter 2', arguing that massive government spending and an AI investment boom are now set against the bond market's pushback. The piece suggests investors are weighing whether fiscal largesse and artificial intelligence capex can coexist with rising borrowing costs and bond market discipline.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are holding their NBA media day, with coverage focusing on whether prognosticators are underestimating the team ahead of the new season. The event gives players and coaches a chance to respond to preseason predictions as expectations and roster questions are debated across the league.

The Cato Institute is calling for changes to the Federal Reserve's Monetary Policy Report, arguing it should provide Congress with more candid and substantive analysis rather than boilerplate. In a new commentary, the libertarian think tank contends the report, delivered twice yearly as part of the Fed's accountability to lawmakers, has become a perfunctory exercise that deserves to be made genuinely worth reading.

The American Enterprise Institute has published its September 2026 Housing Market Indicators report, tracking key data on home prices, mortgage rates, and housing supply in the United States. The update is being watched by analysts and industry observers for signals on affordability and the direction of the US housing market.

Retail news this week centers on two contrasting moves: online fashion retailer Revolve has debuted its own magazine, expanding into editorial media, while discount clothing chain Cato is closing 120 stores. The pairing highlights a split in retail strategy, with some brands investing in brand-building content while others retrench and shrink their physical footprints.

A court ruling on noncitizen voting is drawing attention for its potential to shape the fate of the SAVE America Act, the federal measure aimed at requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. The Cato Institute highlighted the decision as one with major implications for the law's prospects, and debate is likely to center on whether the ruling limits or enables enforcement of stricter voter eligibility rules.

With arts educators in short supply across California, general classroom teachers are increasingly integrating visual arts, music and drama into core academic subjects like math, reading and science. The approach aims to keep arts education alive for students despite staffing gaps, with teachers taking on creative instruction outside their formal training. The trend highlights broader concerns about sustaining well-rounded education amid persistent teacher shortages statewide.

An educational initiative under the name Jawda Edu is promoting programs aimed at advancing academic excellence and improving learning strategies for students and educators. The messaging centres on empowerment through innovative educational offerings and places itself within broader conversations on education, learning and educational technology. Details about the specific programs, their reach or results remain limited, so it is unclear what practical impact the initiative has had so far.

The Cato Institute is drawing attention to an article it says is essential reading for anyone who practices or funds health policy. The libertarian think tank's message is aimed at policymakers and funders, suggesting current approaches to health policy are flawed or under-informed. Details of the article's arguments are not provided in the headline alone.

The Sindicat de Llogateres, the Barcelona tenants' union, is drawing renewed attention in Spain. The group campaigns for affordable housing, organises rent strikes and pushes back against large landlords amid the city's housing crisis. Spanish media, including El Mundo, are examining its tactics and influence on the debate over rising rents.

The Cato Institute has released the latest installment of its Election Policy Roundup series, this one focused on how the courts are shaping the upcoming US midterm elections. The roundup reviews legal and judicial developments relevant to the vote. With the midterms drawing closer, analysis of court involvement in election policy is drawing attention from voters and commentators.

The Puerta del Sol statue in Madrid was found dressed Wednesday morning in a Tenants' Union vest, a Palestinian keffiyeh and a Republican flag tied to the tree, as the tent camp at Sol square expands to 1,248 tents. The action highlights the housing protest movement and its pro-Palestinian and republican symbolism.

Military helicopters are scheduled to land at the University of Montana Western as part of a statewide Educator Airlift, according to NBC Montana. The event is expected to bring educators from across Montana to the Dillon campus, using military aircraft for transport. Details on the organisers, participants, and the exact date of the airlift have not been reported.

The Cato Institute argues that the greatest danger posed by artificial intelligence is not the technology itself but governments' haste to regulate it. The libertarian think tank contends that premature rules could stifle innovation and entrench incumbents before the technology's real capabilities and risks are understood. The argument feeds a wider debate between those calling for urgent AI safeguards and those warning regulation may do more harm than good.

Pew Research Center has published a guide for nonprofit communicators on treating machines as an audience, addressing how organizations should think about AI systems that read and interpret their content. The piece offers practical guidance for the nonprofit sector as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes how information is found and distributed.