higher ed

Unemployed graduates push for tax write-offs on degrees
Harley Schwadron, CagleCartoons.com
Recent college graduates facing extended unemployment have begun inquiring whether the cost of their degrees can be treated as a tax-deductible loss. Accountants report fielding more such questions as hiring in some sectors remains slow. The inquiry reflects broader frustration with the return on investment for higher education when entry-level positions are scarce. The cartoon captures this practical, if unconventional, approach to offsetting student debt through the tax code. It underscores ongoing debates about the value of degrees and the limits of existing tax relief for education expenses.
Sep
10
2026
Canada Powers Up to Counter Trade War Pressure
POWER UP NORTH by Ratt, politicalcartoons.com
Ongoing US-Canada trade tensions escalated in 2026 with new tariff threats targeting Canadian exports. The dispute threatens key sectors including autos, lumber and agriculture, raising costs for consumers on both sides of the border. Canada has signaled plans to diversify markets and strengthen domestic industry. The cartoon frames the conflict as a direct assault on Canadian sovereignty and economic stability. It portrays the trade war as fracturing national symbols while urging a stronger northern response.
Trumpnomics Drives Cost of Living Higher in New Graph
TRUMPNOMICS SENDS COST OF LIVING HIGHER by Manny Francisco, politicalcartoons.com
A new graph depicts the term Trumpnomics as a volatile red line that ends in a sharp upward spike labeled cost of living. The image responds to ongoing public concern over inflation and household expenses under the current administration. Critics argue that recent economic measures have failed to contain price growth. Supporters point to other factors such as global supply chains. The piece takes the position that Trumpnomics directly contributes to higher living costs.
Political cartoon shows Donald Trump tariffs backfiring against Canadian castle with power switch warning.
Jonathan Brown, PoliticalCartoons.com
The cartoon shows a Canadian castle flying its flag while a cannon labeled Tariffs explodes backward toward a figure resembling Donald Trump. The scene responds to ongoing trade tensions where U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods prompted retaliatory measures. The visual emphasizes the policy rebounding on its originator rather than achieving intended pressure.
Drought Turns River Trips into Dry Ground Disappointment
DROUGHT TURNS RIVER TRIPS INTO DRY GROUND DISAPPOINTMENT by Arend van Dam, politicalcartoons.com
Persistent drought has left riverbeds cracked and forests withered across affected regions, undermining tourism and outdoor recreation. Families arriving for advertised river trips and forest walks instead encounter dry ground and dead trees. The piece highlights how climate-driven water shortages continue to disrupt normal seasonal activities without immediate policy relief in sight.
Climate Denial Persists Amid Canadian Wildfire Smoke
Daryl Cagle, CagleCartoons.com
Canadian wildfires have produced widespread smoke affecting air quality across regions. The debate centers on whether climate change drives the fires or if other factors dominate. Public discourse shows persistent skepticism despite visible evidence. The piece highlights how some reject the link between rising temperatures and increased fire activity. It critiques the refusal to acknowledge observable environmental changes tied to climate patterns.
Euro Currency Bears Weight of Ukraine War and Energy Costs
Arcadio Esquivel, Costa Rica
The Eurozone continues to absorb economic shocks from the Ukraine conflict and elevated energy costs. These pressures test the currency's stability and the broader European economy. The image portrays the Euro successfully shouldering both loads, underscoring its capacity to endure without collapse.
Human limits tested across speed, height, strength and depth
HUMAN LIMITS FASTER HIGHER STRONGER CRISIS by Petar Pismestrovic, politicalcartoons.com
The cartoon responds to ongoing human pursuit of physical and exploratory records across multiple domains. Athletes and adventurers test speed, distance, depth, altitude and strength. The piece positions these efforts as leading toward an eventual crisis represented by the bear figure.
REMOTE WORK TAKES US AWAY FROM REALITY.
Arcadio Esquivel, Costa Rica
Remote work arrangements have expanded rapidly since the pandemic, allowing employees to perform duties from home but raising concerns about reduced collaboration and social connection in offices. The piece responds to ongoing debates over hybrid schedules and their impact on workplace culture. It takes the position that remote setups create artificial barriers that separate workers from direct human interaction and shared reality.
Nigeria inflation shark
Tayo Fatunla, West Africa, London England
Nigeria continues to contend with sustained inflation and rising living costs. The piece responds to persistent price pressure on households and the strain it places on the wider economy. It presents inflation as a predatory force circling a vessel already taking on water.
Trump tariffs mocked as GOP elephant points to dunce cap
Michael de Adder, CagleCartoons.com
Donald Trump faces renewed scrutiny over his tariffs approach as the Republican Party grapples with the economic fallout. The policy has drawn internal party tension amid broader trade debates. The piece portrays the GOP as aligned with a flawed leader on the issue.
Trump Floods Markets With Tariffs as Trade Partners Scatter
TRUMP FLOODS PUBLIC WITH TARIFFS by Becs, politicalcartoons.com
Donald Trump expanded tariffs across trading partners in mid-2026, triggering immediate market volatility and diplomatic pushback. The move raised costs for consumers and businesses reliant on imports. The piece portrays the policy as an indiscriminate barrage that disrupts daily life and global commerce.
Trump Wields Tariffs Club Against Canadian-Led Trade Odyssey
Steve Nease, Freelance
President Trump escalates tariffs on trading partners including Canada in mid-2026. The move targets imports amid ongoing disputes over trade balances and supply chains. Allies respond with coordinated pushback through diplomatic and economic channels. The cartoon casts the confrontation as a one-sided power play by the oversized tariff wielder against smaller coordinated opponents.
University Leaders Addressed at Ceremony Podium
Oguz Gurel, Istanbul, Turkey
A university ceremony draws attention as an official delivers pointed remarks to administrators in academic attire. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over leadership accountability and campus governance. The piece portrays the speaker as assertive in pressing the group on their responsibilities.
Couple exits grocery store under war and tariffs banner as prices for butter cheese and steak climb forcing credit reliance.
Jonathan Brown, PoliticalCartoons.com
A political cartoon depicts a couple leaving a grocery store after learning they cannot continue buying food on credit. Signs inside show sharply higher prices for butter at $6.59 per pound, cheddar cheese at $8.89 per pound and sirloin steak at $15 per pound. A banner overhead reads The Toll of War (and Tariffs). The scene illustrates how ongoing conflict and trade barriers have driven up everyday food costs leaving households to rely on credit that is no longer sustainable.
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