Jessica Blake
@jessicablake.bsky.social
Inside Higher Ed, Policy Reporter | Mizzou Made | Ohio Born & Bred
Is your feed overloaded with content about what counts as a professional degree and how it will affect access to student loans?
Mine too.
But some folks weren't getting the facts right. So I wrote about it in hopes of countering some misinformation. Share the news and fact check your sources!
Mine too.
But some folks weren't getting the facts right. So I wrote about it in hopes of countering some misinformation. Share the news and fact check your sources!
What to Know About the Definition of Professional Degree
Social media critics have focused on the fact that certain female-dominated careers, like nursing, are “no longer” recognized as professional. But the term didn’t mean much before Congress passed new ...
www.insidehighered.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Is your feed overloaded with content about what counts as a professional degree and how it will affect access to student loans?
Mine too.
But some folks weren't getting the facts right. So I wrote about it in hopes of countering some misinformation. Share the news and fact check your sources!
Mine too.
But some folks weren't getting the facts right. So I wrote about it in hopes of countering some misinformation. Share the news and fact check your sources!
LATEST: Education Secretary Linda McMahon held an all-staff meeting at the department Tuesday after announcing her next major step toward dismantling it.
@insidehighered.com obtained an audio recording of that meeting.
Read more about what she had to say:
@insidehighered.com obtained an audio recording of that meeting.
Read more about what she had to say:
McMahon Says ED Agreements Are Temporary
In a recording obtained by Inside Higher Ed, the secretary explained why she’s moving several grant programs to other federal agencies and how it could benefit students.
www.insidehighered.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:19 PM
LATEST: Education Secretary Linda McMahon held an all-staff meeting at the department Tuesday after announcing her next major step toward dismantling it.
@insidehighered.com obtained an audio recording of that meeting.
Read more about what she had to say:
@insidehighered.com obtained an audio recording of that meeting.
Read more about what she had to say:
A DEEPER LOOK: Several higher ed leaders said they care most about ensuring grant dollars reach the students and institutions Congress intended them for, not what agency they are housed under. But the question is can they still count on receiving those funds after the outsourcing takes effect.
Dismantling of ED Prompts Flurry of Reactions
Numerous higher ed leaders, advocates and politicians weighed in on McMahon’s plan to ship several ED programs to other agencies. Here’s a snapshot of what they said.
www.insidehighered.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM
A DEEPER LOOK: Several higher ed leaders said they care most about ensuring grant dollars reach the students and institutions Congress intended them for, not what agency they are housed under. But the question is can they still count on receiving those funds after the outsourcing takes effect.
As promised, here's more coverage from @insidehighered.com. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day.
Trump officials are reportedly planning to enact a number of agreements Tuesday that could send key ED responsibilities to other agencies.
Trump officials are reportedly planning to enact a number of agreements Tuesday that could send key ED responsibilities to other agencies.
McMahon Says “Clock Is Ticking” on Education Department
Trump officials are reportedly planning to enact a number of agreements Tuesday that could send key ED responsibilities to other agencies.
www.insidehighered.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:35 PM
As promised, here's more coverage from @insidehighered.com. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day.
Trump officials are reportedly planning to enact a number of agreements Tuesday that could send key ED responsibilities to other agencies.
Trump officials are reportedly planning to enact a number of agreements Tuesday that could send key ED responsibilities to other agencies.
@insidehighered.com has received multiple tips that the Department of Education will be signing a number of interagency agreements later today. The agreements would move the responsibilities of key offices to other departments.
Stay tuned for more coverage.
Stay tuned for more coverage.
November 18, 2025 at 3:57 PM
@insidehighered.com has received multiple tips that the Department of Education will be signing a number of interagency agreements later today. The agreements would move the responsibilities of key offices to other departments.
Stay tuned for more coverage.
Stay tuned for more coverage.
Reposted by Jessica Blake
We’re at day 4 of this week’s neg reg, and the department offered a slight expansion of its list of professional programs. More from @jessicablake.bsky.social here:
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
ED Releases Proposal for Defining Professional Programs
The Department of Education released its latest proposal Wednesday for determining which post-baccalaureate degree programs get access to what amount of federal loans under Congress’ One Big Beautiful...
www.insidehighered.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:22 PM
We’re at day 4 of this week’s neg reg, and the department offered a slight expansion of its list of professional programs. More from @jessicablake.bsky.social here:
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...
I’m back at ED for another week of rulemaking!
The committee is still talking about student loan caps and they still have yet to reach consensus on which students should get what amount of money.
But they’re slowly starting to gain some momentum.
Here’s a story with the latest updates:
The committee is still talking about student loan caps and they still have yet to reach consensus on which students should get what amount of money.
But they’re slowly starting to gain some momentum.
Here’s a story with the latest updates:
ED Panel Makes Some Progress on Loan Caps
But some industries such as aviation are still pushing to get included in the department’s final definition for professional programs.
www.insidehighered.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:48 PM
I’m back at ED for another week of rulemaking!
The committee is still talking about student loan caps and they still have yet to reach consensus on which students should get what amount of money.
But they’re slowly starting to gain some momentum.
Here’s a story with the latest updates:
The committee is still talking about student loan caps and they still have yet to reach consensus on which students should get what amount of money.
But they’re slowly starting to gain some momentum.
Here’s a story with the latest updates:
ICYMI: I asked more than a dozen higher ed experts, how dead is the Dept. of Ed?
Some tried to stay optimistic, describing the agency as diminished not dead. Others feared the damage has already been done. But across the board, most say ED is in critical condition.
Some tried to stay optimistic, describing the agency as diminished not dead. Others feared the damage has already been done. But across the board, most say ED is in critical condition.
Under McMahon, ED Is Diminished but Not Dead, Experts Say
Inside Higher Ed spoke with more than a dozen politicians, higher education experts and former department employees; their thoughts on the agency’s status varied, but many tried to remain hopeful.
www.insidehighered.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:33 PM
ICYMI: I asked more than a dozen higher ed experts, how dead is the Dept. of Ed?
Some tried to stay optimistic, describing the agency as diminished not dead. Others feared the damage has already been done. But across the board, most say ED is in critical condition.
Some tried to stay optimistic, describing the agency as diminished not dead. Others feared the damage has already been done. But across the board, most say ED is in critical condition.
Reposted by Jessica Blake
“The truth is, the Knight Institute is doing just fine. It’s our democracy that I’m more worried about,” @jameeljaffer.bsky.social tells @insidehighered.com's @jessicablake.bsky.social. He shares more about our work taking on the Trump administration below ⬇️. www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Amid Trump’s Assault on Free Speech, Advocates Stay Busy
Three nonprofit legal organizations say their caseload has ramped up significantly since Trump took office. But so has public support for their work.
www.insidehighered.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
“The truth is, the Knight Institute is doing just fine. It’s our democracy that I’m more worried about,” @jameeljaffer.bsky.social tells @insidehighered.com's @jessicablake.bsky.social. He shares more about our work taking on the Trump administration below ⬇️. www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
There's been lots of discussion about what the Office of Special Education's major reduction in force will mean for K-12 schools, but what about colleges and universities?
I sat down with Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, to find out.
I sat down with Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, to find out.
How Will Latest ED Layoffs Affect Students With Disabilities?
Inside Higher Ed spoke with a leading advocate for students with learning disabilities to hear what the consequences will be across colleges and universities.
www.insidehighered.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:50 PM
There's been lots of discussion about what the Office of Special Education's major reduction in force will mean for K-12 schools, but what about colleges and universities?
I sat down with Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, to find out.
I sat down with Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, to find out.
Reposted by Jessica Blake
NEWS — The White House says it has invited the five institutions that haven't said whether they'll agree to the compact to a meeting this afternoon. One source sees the meeting as a way to "regain momentum by threatening institutions to sign."
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
White House to Meet with Universities Regarding Compact
The scheduled meeting follows increasingly forceful pushback to the wide-ranging proposal.
www.insidehighered.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:56 PM
NEWS — The White House says it has invited the five institutions that haven't said whether they'll agree to the compact to a meeting this afternoon. One source sees the meeting as a way to "regain momentum by threatening institutions to sign."
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
#BREAKING: The Department of Education has delayed the semiannual convening of its accreditation advisory committee, NACIQI, for the second time this year, according to an email obtained by @insidehighered.com.
NACIQI Meeting Delayed by Government Shutdown
In an email to committee members Tuesday, department officials said the meeting will now take place in December.
www.insidehighered.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:01 PM
#BREAKING: The Department of Education has delayed the semiannual convening of its accreditation advisory committee, NACIQI, for the second time this year, according to an email obtained by @insidehighered.com.
Here's the latest from @insidehighered.com on the second round of layoffs at the Department of Education:
Trump Fires More Education Dept. Employees
The Trump administration threatened to lay off federal workers because of the government shutdown. An unspecified number of employees got pink slips Friday.
www.insidehighered.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Here's the latest from @insidehighered.com on the second round of layoffs at the Department of Education:
BREAKING: Staff at the Education Department are affected by the mass layoffs that OMB Chief Russell Vought promised today on X.
A department spokesperson confirmed this but didn’t say how many employees will be affected or in which offices. ED has already lost half its staff to a previous RIF.
A department spokesperson confirmed this but didn’t say how many employees will be affected or in which offices. ED has already lost half its staff to a previous RIF.
October 10, 2025 at 6:12 PM
BREAKING: Staff at the Education Department are affected by the mass layoffs that OMB Chief Russell Vought promised today on X.
A department spokesperson confirmed this but didn’t say how many employees will be affected or in which offices. ED has already lost half its staff to a previous RIF.
A department spokesperson confirmed this but didn’t say how many employees will be affected or in which offices. ED has already lost half its staff to a previous RIF.
I spent all of last week sitting in on the Dept of Ed's rulemaking session concerning student loans.
Long story short, some progress has been made on smaller details, but major questions remain on key issues.
Here's a more in-depth rundown of the week's debates for all my fellow policy nerds.
Long story short, some progress has been made on smaller details, but major questions remain on key issues.
Here's a more in-depth rundown of the week's debates for all my fellow policy nerds.
ED Opens Door to Student Loan Cap Negotiations
The department made some progress toward its student loan overhaul in negotiated rule making, but big questions remain about borrower limitations and repayment plans.
www.insidehighered.com
October 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I spent all of last week sitting in on the Dept of Ed's rulemaking session concerning student loans.
Long story short, some progress has been made on smaller details, but major questions remain on key issues.
Here's a more in-depth rundown of the week's debates for all my fellow policy nerds.
Long story short, some progress has been made on smaller details, but major questions remain on key issues.
Here's a more in-depth rundown of the week's debates for all my fellow policy nerds.
It’s day 5 and your favorite neg reg reporter is back!
For much of the week, it seemed ED was pushing to wrap up the student loan meeting and reach consensus by Friday.
But that changed this morning when the dept announced that the rule making committee will return at the beginning of November.
For much of the week, it seemed ED was pushing to wrap up the student loan meeting and reach consensus by Friday.
But that changed this morning when the dept announced that the rule making committee will return at the beginning of November.
October 3, 2025 at 2:21 PM
It’s day 5 and your favorite neg reg reporter is back!
For much of the week, it seemed ED was pushing to wrap up the student loan meeting and reach consensus by Friday.
But that changed this morning when the dept announced that the rule making committee will return at the beginning of November.
For much of the week, it seemed ED was pushing to wrap up the student loan meeting and reach consensus by Friday.
But that changed this morning when the dept announced that the rule making committee will return at the beginning of November.
Trump is using employees’ automatic out-of-the-office messages to advance his political agenda without their consent.
“It’s just wild to see your name attached to a message that you had nothing to do with,” one staffer said. “It feels like a violation … you don’t have autonomy over your own words.”
“It’s just wild to see your name attached to a message that you had nothing to do with,” one staffer said. “It feels like a violation … you don’t have autonomy over your own words.”
ED Put Political Out-of-Office Reply on Staff Emails
One legal group is preparing to challenge the Trump administration’s action in court, staffers say.
www.insidehighered.com
October 3, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Trump is using employees’ automatic out-of-the-office messages to advance his political agenda without their consent.
“It’s just wild to see your name attached to a message that you had nothing to do with,” one staffer said. “It feels like a violation … you don’t have autonomy over your own words.”
“It’s just wild to see your name attached to a message that you had nothing to do with,” one staffer said. “It feels like a violation … you don’t have autonomy over your own words.”
ICYMI: I’ll be heading to the department soon for neg regs day 4, but in the meantime, let me catch you up on day 3.
⛓️ Here’s your quick end of the day wrap up from @insidehighered.com re: student loan cap regulations.
Right after lunch, ED officials presented a new proposal that came from a long morning of negotiations behind closed doors. It was much appreciated but did not go without questions.
Right after lunch, ED officials presented a new proposal that came from a long morning of negotiations behind closed doors. It was much appreciated but did not go without questions.
October 2, 2025 at 12:14 PM
ICYMI: I’ll be heading to the department soon for neg regs day 4, but in the meantime, let me catch you up on day 3.
⛓️ Here’s your quick end of the day wrap up from @insidehighered.com re: student loan cap regulations.
Right after lunch, ED officials presented a new proposal that came from a long morning of negotiations behind closed doors. It was much appreciated but did not go without questions.
Right after lunch, ED officials presented a new proposal that came from a long morning of negotiations behind closed doors. It was much appreciated but did not go without questions.
October 1, 2025 at 10:46 PM
⛓️ Here’s your quick end of the day wrap up from @insidehighered.com re: student loan cap regulations.
Right after lunch, ED officials presented a new proposal that came from a long morning of negotiations behind closed doors. It was much appreciated but did not go without questions.
Right after lunch, ED officials presented a new proposal that came from a long morning of negotiations behind closed doors. It was much appreciated but did not go without questions.
Annnnd we're back! The government may be in shutdown but negotiated rulemaking over student loans is still going strong at ED.
So far today, most of the committee has been in private caucus, likely discussing what degrees will qualify for higher loan caps. We're now over the original 30 min slot.
So far today, most of the committee has been in private caucus, likely discussing what degrees will qualify for higher loan caps. We're now over the original 30 min slot.
October 1, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Annnnd we're back! The government may be in shutdown but negotiated rulemaking over student loans is still going strong at ED.
So far today, most of the committee has been in private caucus, likely discussing what degrees will qualify for higher loan caps. We're now over the original 30 min slot.
So far today, most of the committee has been in private caucus, likely discussing what degrees will qualify for higher loan caps. We're now over the original 30 min slot.
I’m on the ground at ED for today’s meeting on new student loan regs. Here’s what’s happened so far:
The dept. said it will continue this week’s session even if the gov shuts down.
Officials have also drawn a hard line on the definition of professional, outlining an exhaustive list of 10 programs.
The dept. said it will continue this week’s session even if the gov shuts down.
Officials have also drawn a hard line on the definition of professional, outlining an exhaustive list of 10 programs.
September 30, 2025 at 2:52 PM
I’m on the ground at ED for today’s meeting on new student loan regs. Here’s what’s happened so far:
The dept. said it will continue this week’s session even if the gov shuts down.
Officials have also drawn a hard line on the definition of professional, outlining an exhaustive list of 10 programs.
The dept. said it will continue this week’s session even if the gov shuts down.
Officials have also drawn a hard line on the definition of professional, outlining an exhaustive list of 10 programs.
Reposted by Jessica Blake
Update to this from @jessicablake.bsky.social: neg reg will continue in person despite the shutdown.
Will neg reg continue if the government shuts down? The answer at the moment is not clear, especially after the department appeared to rethink its plans. We expect more details tomorrow.
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Government Shutdown Could Delay ED Rule Making
Higher education experts and committee members say the plan remains uncertain, adding that a delay could complicate the department’s plans.
www.insidehighered.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Update to this from @jessicablake.bsky.social: neg reg will continue in person despite the shutdown.
Reposted by Jessica Blake
Despite saying it would fund TRIO for 2025, ED has not paid about $660 million worth of aid for more than 2,000 programs, advocacy groups say. Those include Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Centers & Talent Search @jessicablake.bsky.social reports www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Trump Administration Withholds Millions for TRIO Programs
Nonprofits that advocate for first-gen students say that without the federally funded programs, college could become unattainable for hundreds of thousands of students.
www.insidehighered.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Despite saying it would fund TRIO for 2025, ED has not paid about $660 million worth of aid for more than 2,000 programs, advocacy groups say. Those include Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Centers & Talent Search @jessicablake.bsky.social reports www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Reposted by Jessica Blake
New from @jessicablake.bsky.social: more than 2,000 TRIO programs didn’t get their funding Sept. 1 as expected. Lawmakers are demanding ED release the funds and warning the freeze could lead to “irreparable damage.”
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Trump Administration Withholds Millions for TRIO Programs
Nonprofits that advocate for first-gen students say that without the federally funded programs, college could become unattainable for hundreds of thousands of students.
www.insidehighered.com
September 12, 2025 at 10:32 PM
New from @jessicablake.bsky.social: more than 2,000 TRIO programs didn’t get their funding Sept. 1 as expected. Lawmakers are demanding ED release the funds and warning the freeze could lead to “irreparable damage.”
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Reposted by Jessica Blake
Conservative Campus Group Founder Charlie Kirk Shot at Utah Valley University
A university spokesperson says Kirk was shot during an event held by his group, Turning Point USA. He’s in surgery.
www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
A university spokesperson says Kirk was shot during an event held by his group, Turning Point USA. He’s in surgery.
www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
Conservative Campus Group Founder Charlie Kirk Shot at UVU
A university spokesperson says Kirk was shot during an event held by his group, Turning Point USA. He’s in surgery.
www.insidehighered.com
September 10, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Conservative Campus Group Founder Charlie Kirk Shot at Utah Valley University
A university spokesperson says Kirk was shot during an event held by his group, Turning Point USA. He’s in surgery.
www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
A university spokesperson says Kirk was shot during an event held by his group, Turning Point USA. He’s in surgery.
www.insidehighered.com/news/student...