Congress Delivers Loan Relief for Needy Students

Not the national kind, the personal kind

(NEWSER) - Republican freshmen in Congress say they're serious about tackling the US debt—but when it comes to their own personal debt, many have what the Washington Post amusingly calls “a more nuanced view.” At least 30 out of 87 had debts of $50,000 or more last year, according to financial documents released yesterday. Some of that included mortgages on investment properties (mortgages on non-rental properties weren't included) and student loans, but at least seven had credit card debt of more than $15,000. More»

Students lean more on government to afford school

(NEWSER) - College tuition headed north yet again this fall, forcing students and their families to lean more on the federal government to get by. Thanks to punishing state budget cuts, the average four-year public school tuition leaped 7.9% to $7,605, according to the College Board, while private nonprofit colleges raised their average asking price 4.5%, to $27,293. More»

Senator inherits Kennedy's cause of health care reform

(NEWSER) - Jay Rockefeller shares little of the temperament of the late Ted Kennedy, but what they do share is essential. “Massive wealth and a virtual lock on his Senate seat frees a man to do what he believes in,” writes Margaret Carlson. And for both men—the West Virginia Democrat now more than ever—that means a dedication to health care reform. In his own teary, stubborn way, Rockefeller has assumed Teddy’s “health care mantle.” And like him, he is "unafraid to be liberal." More»

(NEWSER) - Gov. Deval Patrick should be able to name a Democratic replacement for Ted Kennedy's Senate seat before the end of the week, the Boston Globe reports. Legislation giving hm the authority to do so cleared the state Senate today, a week after the House passed it. The measure still needs to be formally enacted tomorrow, but no further snags are expected. So who will Patrick pick? A Globe editorial today pushed for Michael Dukakis. More»

President addresses Congress in final push

(NEWSER) - Declaring that the US is at a “breaking point” and that “the time for bickering is over” on health-care reform, President Obama pressed his case before a joint session of Congress tonight. Obama shot down a number of charges from opponents, to applause from supporters, Politico notes—though GOP Rep. Joe Wilson yelled “Lie!” when Obama said the plan wouldn’t cover illegal immigrants. More»