THE READING INSTITUTE

Mar 20 2026POLITICS

A Major Shift in Student Loan Management Raises Questions

The federal government is making a big change in how it handles student loans. Starting now, the Treasury Department will take charge of loans where borrowers haven’t made payments in months. This covers about $180 billion of the government’s $1. 7 trillion student debt. Eventually, the Treasury wi

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Mar 20 2026HEALTH

CDC Leadership Search Shows Hope Amid Health Department Turmoil

The hunt for a new CDC director is sparking cautious optimism, even as the agency grapples with years of shakeups and policy disputes. Recent candidates for the top role suggest better days ahead, but the CDC’s past struggles under political pressure raise questions about stability. The agency has s

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Mar 20 2026POLITICS

A new plan for handling student loans shifts focus to the Treasury

The government just announced a three-step plan to move control of student loans to the Treasury Department. First, it will focus on loans that are already in default. Next, it will handle loans that are not yet in default, as long as it’s legally possible. Finally, the Treasury will help make sure

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Kharg Island: A Hot Spot in the Middle East War

The U. S. has been hitting Kharg Island, a key oil hub in Iran’s Gulf coast, during its fight with Tehran. President Trump says the island’s oil facilities were left alone, but he warned that could change if Iran blocks ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a major oil route; about 20 million

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Temporary Rule Break Helps U. S. Shipments Flow

The United States has lifted a long‑standing shipping law for 60 days. The rule, known as the Jones Act, usually keeps all U. S. domestic cargo on American‑built and -crew vessels. President Trump said the change will let foreign ships move oil, gas, fertilizer and coal between U. S. ports. The Jon

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

TSA Workers Face Pay Cuts While Politicians Argue

The TSA has seen its employees work without pay for more than a month, a result of repeated funding gaps that have turned these workers into bargaining chips in Washington. In the last six months, three separate budget stalls have left TSA staff unpaid, with many of them struggling to cover re

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Mar 19 2026FINANCE

Crimson Desert’s Share Drop: What the Scores Reveal

The launch of Crimson Desert has shaken Pearl Abyss’s stock, causing a steep decline in value as reviewers released their ratings. Investors had been hoping for near‑perfect scores, but the game landed at a 78 on Metacritic, far below expectations. The South Korean market saw the company’s shares

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Mar 19 2026HEALTH

Older‑Age Shoulder Tears: What to Do

The problem of torn shoulder tendons that can’t be fixed is getting more common as people grow older. When someone has pain or weakness, doctors usually start with a solid six‑month plan of targeted exercise. Many patients feel better with this approach, so it is the first choice in treatment.

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Mar 19 2026POLITICS

Japan Leader Heads to Washington Amid Middle East Tensions

The Japanese prime minister will visit the White House for the first time since a former U. S. president asked Japan to help patrol a vital sea route in the Middle East. She arrives as the U. S. faces a new conflict involving Iran, and her trip is meant to strengthen ties with Washington while ke

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Mar 19 2026SPORTS

March Madness Begins: Key Facts and Surprises

The first round of the tournament starts Thursday. Twelve games begin just after noon and keep going into the night. Fans expect close play, last‑second shots, and maybe a surprise win. A student manager named Amir “Aura” Khan is back on the scene. He helped McNeese beat Stephen F. Austin to earn a

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