9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later, Social Security Funding, and Fall University Enrollment for 2026

– INFORMED BREVITY –

9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later

We all remember where we were that awful day when terrorists hit three sites in our nation. One of those sites was the Pentagon in our nation’s capital. One of the scores and scores of Americans killed in the attack was Lt. Colonel Kip Taylor. Colonel Taylor was an alumnus of Northern Michigan University. His name is honored in the Pentagon in the memorial to all who died there. His name is memorialized on the Veterans Rock outside of the NMU’s Northern Center. May his memory be a blessing.

Social Security Funding

As you may be aware, Americans only pay social security taxes on their income under $184,500. This cap is set in law. Once again we are hearing from federal policy makers that in the very near future social security will not have enough funds to meet its obligations to those receiving social security.

It has been suggested by several think tanks and public policy centers that if we eliminated that cap the result would produce more than enough to fund social security for a very, very long time. Millionaires and billionaires would pay social security taxes on all of their annual income. So would everyone making over $184,500.

Also, maybe Congress should repay the loans it took from the Social Security Fund.

Fall University Enrollment for 2026

This is the time of the year we begin to see reports of university enrollment numbers from universities in the Upper Peninsula, statewide and nationally. National reports are saying universities across America are reporting significant enrollment drops. It seems families are questioning the value of a university education and its benefit for future employment. Also many families look at the tuition costs and question the debt load that it will leave families and young students with in the future.

As we go to press we have Northern Michigan numbers but will report others when we get them.

Northern Michigan University reported that its Fall enrollment is down 5.75% from last Fall. Its total headcount will be 6,961 from last year’s 7,386. This drop will have an impact on local economic development and on local businesses.

University officials “attribute the drop in new, first-time freshmen to the state’s offer of free community college through its Community College Guarantee and the Michigan Reconnect programs.”

Quotes That Make Us Go Hmmm

“The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” Alexis de Tocqueville.

“A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean.” Dr. Seuss.

Books Recommended by Our Readers

No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism. Jared Huffman. 2026.

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