Gloomy

Can Public College Systems Stave Off Closures?
Inside Higher Ed

Some public colleges are already on the chopping block. But as college and university systems brace for incoming state budget cuts, they can streamline services and work cohesively to save money, experts say.

     The coronavirus outbreak has torpedoed the budgets of public and private colleges alike.
     Revenue shortfalls, student fee refunds, possible declines in fall enrollment and unexpected cost increases have set the stage for a difficult financial future. Public college systems are facing all of that and another threat: impending cuts to state higher education funding…. (continued)

‘Instead of Coronavirus, the Hunger Will Kill Us.’ A Global Food Crisis Looms.
New York Times

The world has never faced a hunger emergency like this, experts say. It could double the number of people facing acute hunger to 265 million by the end of this year.

NAIROBI, Kenya — In the largest slum in Kenya’s capital, people desperate to eat set off a stampede during a recent giveaway of flour and cooking oil, leaving scores injured and two people dead.
     In India, thousands of workers are lining up twice a day for bread and fried vegetables to keep hunger at bay.
     And across Colombia, poor households are hanging red clothing and flags from their windows and balconies as a sign that they are hungry.
     “We don’t have any money, and now we need to survive,” said Pauline Karushi, who lost her job at a jewelry business in Nairobi, and lives in two rooms with her child and four other relatives. “That means not eating much.”.... (continued)