The U.S. Education Department has started transferring management of certain federal student loans to the Treasury Department. Initially, the Treasury will manage loans in default, with plans to eventually oversee all student loans. Borrowers are not required to make any changes during this transition.
Key Facts
The U.S. Education Department is transferring some student loans to the Treasury Department.
The change involves loans in default, totaling about $180 billion.
These defaulted loans make up 11% of the total $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio.
The Treasury Department may eventually manage all federal student loans.
Borrowers will continue using the same loan servicers and repayment methods.
The agreement signifies a significant shift in how federal student loans are managed.
The Education Department has been overseeing student loans for over 40 years.
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Jeffrey Epstein's personal lawyer, Darren Indyke, testified before a U.S. congressional committee, stating he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities. The committee is investigating Epstein's crimes and has interviewed various high-profile witnesses. Indyke claimed he did not witness or hear of any abuse and noted Epstein's regret over past offenses.
Key Facts
Darren Indyke is Jeffrey Epstein's personal lawyer.
Indyke testified to the U.S. House Oversight Committee, denying knowledge of Epstein's wrongdoings.
The committee called Indyke as part of its investigation into Epstein's crimes.
Indyke claimed he did not socialize with Epstein and had no allegations of abuse reported to him.
Indyke met Epstein in 1996 and said Epstein seemed remorseful after a 2008 guilty plea.
James Marsh, a victims' lawyer, expressed concerns over Indyke's claimed ignorance.
The committee has held closed-door hearings with other high-profile witnesses, including Bill Clinton.
Democrats on the committee walked out of a briefing on Epstein-related disclosures by the Justice Department.
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The Trump administration is shifting control of the federal student loan system from the Department of Education to the Department of the Treasury. This change will involve the Treasury handling defaulted loan collections and eventually managing the entire student loan system.
Key Facts
The U.S. student loan portfolio is valued at $1.7 trillion.
Management will transfer from the Department of Education to the Department of the Treasury.
Treasury will collect payments from students who default on loans.
Eventually, Treasury will oversee the entire loan system.
The Education Department’s Federal Student Aid office functions will also move to Treasury.
The transition will be gradual to prevent any disruptions.
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Authorities in Barcelona found the body of a missing U.S. college student, James "Jimmy" Gracey, in the water near a beach. Gracey, a student at the University of Alabama, was on vacation with friends in Spain. The police are investigating the cause of his death.
Key Facts
James "Jimmy" Gracey was a 20-year-old student from Illinois.
His body was discovered off a beach in Barcelona on Thursday evening.
Gracey was a student at the University of Alabama and was in Spain for spring break.
He was last seen outside a nightclub with friends in Barcelona early Tuesday morning.
Gracey did not return to the room he was renting with friends after being last seen.
Police found his phone soon after he went missing, alerting his family.
The Catalan police are continuing to investigate how he died.
Gracey was part of the Theta Chi fraternity at his university.
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The United States is experiencing a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), mainly due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over immigration policy changes. This shutdown has led to airport delays as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees under DHS work without pay. The political disagreement has stalled new funding for DHS, worsening the situation for TSA workers and airport operations.
Key Facts
The partial government shutdown started on February 14 and affects only the Department of Homeland Security.
TSA workers haven't received full pay since the shutdown began, leading to some quitting or taking unscheduled leave.
The shutdown has caused long lines and delays at U.S. airports due to a lack of TSA staff.
Congress funded most of the federal government through September with a separate vote needed for DHS funding.
Democrats want changes to immigration policies, like clearer identification for agents and stopping racial profiling.
Republicans disagree with these demands, causing a deadlock in funding discussions for DHS.
The DHS oversees several agencies, including the TSA, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The shutdown has previously caused TSA workers to miss pay, impacting their financial stability.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Elvia Benitez Suarez, a mother from Wisconsin, despite a judge's earlier decision allowing her to remain in the U.S. legally. Her detention follows an appeal by the government and has brought attention to ICE's practices under President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Elvia Benitez Suarez was detained by ICE during a routine check-in in Milwaukee.
A judge granted her permanent residence status, but the government appealed, so the case is ongoing.
Benitez Suarez entered the U.S. from Mexico in 1990, fleeing sexual assault.
She has four children, all of whom are U.S. citizens.
She was detained after inadvertently entering Canada while visiting Niagara Falls.
ICE moved her to detention centers in Chicago and Kentucky.
DHS stated she could self-deport while her attorney argued she had no viable way to adjust her status.
The detention has caused emotional and financial strain on her family.
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Two former FBI special agents have filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi, claiming their rights were violated when they were fired without notice. The agents were involved in an investigation related to efforts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election. They allege their firing was politically motivated and are seeking reinstatement and other remedies from the court.
Key Facts
Two unnamed former FBI agents are suing FBI Director Kash Patel and others, alleging wrongful termination.
The lawsuit claims the agents' First and Fifth Amendment rights were violated.
The agents were part of an investigation called Arctic Frost, examining attempts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election results.
President Donald Trump and others publicly criticized these agents, calling them "corrupt actors."
The agents' firing was allegedly due to their involvement in the Arctic Frost investigation.
The lawsuit demands the agents be reinstated and receive due process for any future personnel actions.
The plaintiffs also seek coverage of legal costs and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
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President Donald Trump is currently dealing with low approval ratings, especially concerning the economy and the cost of living. Recent polls show his economic approval rating has fallen significantly, creating challenges for him and the Republican Party.
Key Facts
President Trump’s net approval rating on the economy is at minus 29, according to a Yahoo/YouGov survey.
On the issue of the cost of living, only 26% of respondents approve of Trump’s handling, while 67% disapprove.
Overall job approval for Trump is 38%, with a disapproval rate of 59% in the Yahoo/YouGov poll.
These approval ratings are among the lowest recorded for Trump in this polling series.
CNN polling analyst Harry Enten highlights these figures as significant issues for Trump and the Republican Party.
Polls indicate that these approval issues are consistent across different topics like immigration and foreign policy.
Trump has publicly stated he is not concerned about the approval ratings and focuses on doing what he believes is right.
Persistent low ratings could impact the Republican strategy for the 2026 midterm elections.
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Former FBI Director James Comey has been subpoenaed in a legal case that looks into actions taken by officials who investigated President Trump. This case focuses on allegations that Democratic officials broke the law to undermine Trump from his 2016 election up to 2023. The investigation involves many subpoenas and examines claims about misleading information used against Trump.
Key Facts
James Comey, former FBI Director, received a subpoena in a case investigating actions against President Trump.
The case alleges officials broke the law to undermine Trump from his 2016 election victory until 2023.
Over 130 subpoenas have been issued in this investigation.
The focus includes Comey's role in a 2017 assessment about Russia's interference in the U.S. election.
The assessment is said to have included the Steele Dossier, which was later discredited.
A review under CIA Director John Ratcliffe criticized the assessment, leading to a referral for prosecution.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, known for dismissing another case against Trump, is overseeing this inquiry.
There's an attempt to link Comey, John Brennan, and others in a conspiracy case.
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Joe Kent resigned from his job in President Donald Trump's administration to protest the war with Iran. He spoke on a podcast, giving reasons for his resignation and discussing pro-Israel forces' influence on U.S. foreign policy.
Key Facts
Joe Kent quit his job as a counterterrorism official under President Trump.
He resigned to protest the decision to enter into a conflict with Iran.
Kent appeared on Tucker Carlson's podcast to talk about his resignation.
He suggested that Israel influenced the U.S. decision to go to war with Iran.
During the podcast, Kent also brought up conspiracy theories linking pro-Israel forces to the death of Charlie Kirk.
The discussion has raised concerns about antisemitism and debates over Israeli influence in U.S. politics.
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A group of U.S. states and local governments are suing President Trump over his decision to cancel a 2009 ruling that said greenhouse gases are harmful to public health. This decision is part of President Trump's efforts to change climate policies established during the Obama administration. The lawsuit argues that this action violates the Clean Air Act.
Key Facts
Three dozen states and local governments are involved in the lawsuit against President Trump.
The lawsuit aims to overturn President Trump's repeal of the 2009 "endangerment finding."
The "endangerment finding" supported policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
President Trump described the repeal as a major win over past climate policies.
The case was filed in the US Court of Appeals.
The challenging group includes 23 states and 17 local governments, including large cities like New York and Los Angeles.
The lawsuit claims repealing the finding goes against the Clean Air Act.
A similar lawsuit was filed by environmental organizations the previous month.
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Pennsylvania lawmakers are working on a bill that aims to remove property taxes, which help fund schools, and compensate for the loss by increasing sales and income taxes. The plan includes taxing residents' retirement funds and has raised concerns among many who worry about the impact on their finances. The bill is set to go into effect in 2029, if passed, after being introduced as a constitutional amendment in the state.
Key Facts
A bill in Pennsylvania proposes eliminating property taxes for schools by 2029.
It plans to offset lost revenue by raising sales tax from 6% to 8%.
The bill also introduces a tax on clothing, candy, and residents' retirement funds.
Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced the bill as a constitutional amendment, which requires voter approval.
Property taxes currently provide $15 to $17 billion in revenue for Pennsylvania schools.
Experts warn that eliminating these taxes could hurt local government budgets and services.
Senator Chris Gebhard argues that high property taxes are causing people to lose homes.
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Police in Colorado are searching for Brenda Meza, a former middle school secretary, who is accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy. Meza has multiple felony charges against her and has been missing since the police investigation began.
Key Facts
Brenda Meza, formerly a secretary at Franklin Middle School, is charged with felonies related to sexual abuse.
The incidents involve a 13-year-old boy from the Greeley-Evans School District.
Police have been trying to contact Meza but have not succeeded.
Officials believe she might be in Colorado or another state and are following up on all leads.
Meza allegedly communicated with the boy on Instagram and met him in person.
School district officials stated that Meza was no longer employed there as of February 25.
Her husband informed police about her interaction with the teen after a confrontation by school officials.
Anyone with information on Meza's whereabouts is urged to contact Greeley Police.
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Gas prices in the U.S. are rising due to ongoing conflicts in Iran affecting global oil markets. Several states are now seeing prices above $4 per gallon for regular gasoline.
Key Facts
Gas prices in the U.S. are rising because of a war with Iran.
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now about $3.88.
Several states, mostly in the West, have prices over $4 per gallon.
California has the highest average gas price at $5.61 per gallon.
The conflict has disrupted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
Price increases are quickly passed on to consumers at gas stations.
President Trump acknowledged the impact of the conflict on oil prices.
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A virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is causing more respiratory illnesses in the United States. The cases tend to increase in winter, with recent data showing a significant rise compared to last year. There is no current vaccine or treatment for HMPV.
Key Facts
HMPV causes respiratory illnesses and is similar to RSV.
The virus spreads through the air, close contact, or touching contaminated surfaces.
Cases are increasing, with higher levels than last year from November to March.
Symptoms include cough, fever, congestion, and can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
There is no vaccine or direct treatment for HMPV.
Wastewater data from programs like WastewaterSCAN shows high HMPV detections in certain U.S. areas.
The CDC reported a rise in positive HMPV tests from 0.42% in September 2025 to 5.37% by March 2026.
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Michele Tafoya, a candidate in Minnesota's Republican Senate race, suggests Americans should adapt to rising gas prices due to the conflict in Iran by making small personal sacrifices, like skipping a visit to Starbucks. President Donald Trump noted that gas prices have increased since the Iran war began but believes they will drop after the conflict ends.
Key Facts
Michele Tafoya is running for the Republican nomination in the U.S. Senate race in Minnesota.
She suggests Americans show support for the country by adjusting to higher gas prices.
Tafoya compares the current situation to past wars where Americans supported the war effort through small sacrifices.
She specifically mentions the idea of skipping a trip to Starbucks to save fuel.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the rise in gas prices due to the Iran conflict.
Trump believes gas prices will decrease after the Iran conflict is resolved.
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California has decided to rename César Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day following allegations of sexual abuse against Cesar Chavez. The allegations surfaced due to a New York Times investigation and have led to canceled events honoring Chavez in the U.S.
Key Facts
California is changing the name of César Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day.
Allegations of sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez were made public by a New York Times investigation.
The abuse allegedly occurred in the 1970s, involving girls and young women.
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the allegations, finding them difficult to process.
César Chavez Day was previously observed as a paid holiday in California.
The state has several schools and memorials dedicated to Chavez's work for farmworkers' rights.
Events across the U.S. honoring César Chavez have been canceled following the allegations.
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A Republican lawmaker has proposed a bill to stop immigrants from six countries from entering the U.S., expanding on measures from President Donald Trump's first term. This bill, known as the Halt Immigration from Countries with Inadequate Verification Capabilities Act, was introduced by Representative Andy Ogles and is currently being reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee.
Key Facts
The bill targets immigrants from Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Four of the countries affected by the bill have Muslim-majority populations.
The bill aims to prevent entry from countries where the U.S. cannot verify people's identities and backgrounds.
The initiative builds on travel restrictions upheld by the Supreme Court during President Trump's first term in 2018.
This proposal has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee for review, and no votes have been taken yet.
An exception to the ban is allowed for U.S. citizens.
The sponsor of the bill, Representative Andy Ogles, argues that these countries have poor vetting conditions.
This legislative proposal aligns with ongoing debates on immigration and security issues in the U.S.
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Social media posts from Rama Duwaji, wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are being reviewed due to their content praising Palestinian militants and criticizing U.S. military actions. The posts date back to her teenage years and early twenties and were reported by The Washington Free Beacon. The authenticity of these posts has not been independently verified by Newsweek.
Key Facts
Rama Duwaji is the wife of New York City Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Old social media posts attributed to Duwaji praise members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a group labeled as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Posts from 2013 to 2017 resurfaced, including praise for a militant who hijacked airplanes and criticism of U.S. soldiers.
The Washington Free Beacon linked these posts to Duwaji using usernames and biographical details.
The social media accounts that contained these posts are now inactive or deactivated.
Newsweek could not verify the authenticity of the archived posts.
The scrutiny of Duwaji comes amid increased attention on public figures and their family members due to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.
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The Wisconsin legislature passed a bill that would stop people using SNAP benefits from buying candy and soda. If signed by Governor Tony Evers, the bill will also provide additional funds and create jobs to help manage benefit payments and prevent penalties. The bill reflects a trend where 22 states are seeking to limit the use of food assistance for sugary items.
Key Facts
Wisconsin lawmakers approved a bill to ban using SNAP benefits to buy candy and soda.
About 700,000 people in Wisconsin could be affected by this change.
The bill would add $69 million and 70 jobs to help administer the SNAP program.
The measure passed in the Senate with bipartisan support, 25-8.
The new rule helps avoid penalties from a federal law signed by President Trump concerning error rates in SNAP payments.
Governor Evers expressed disagreement with the ban but acknowledged the importance of the additional resources.
The bill requires Wisconsin's DHS to seek a federal waiver for the purchase restrictions.
Similar restrictions are being pursued by 22 states across the U.S.
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