The Trump administration has recently halted online access to income-driven repayment applications for student loans, a move that affects millions of borrowers who rely on these plans for affordable monthly payments. This decision follows a federal court ruling that upheld an injunction on the SAVE plan. Borrowers now face challenges in accessing alternative repayment options, as the remaining available plans typically come with higher monthly payments. Advocacy groups have criticized this action, highlighting its potential impact on working families and those seeking relief through public service loan forgiveness programs.
In late February 2025, the Education Department under the Trump administration removed online applications for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans from the Federal Student Aid website. The removal was a direct response to a federal court decision that upheld a preliminary injunction against the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. This plan, which aimed to offer borrowers lower monthly payments and faster loan forgiveness, faced legal challenges from several GOP-led states. As a result, borrowers can no longer apply for IDR plans online and must resort to submitting paper applications if they wish to consolidate their loans.
IDR plans, established by Congress in 1993, were designed to provide borrowers with monthly payments based on their income, making it easier for them to manage their debt. These plans also offered loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years of consistent payments. Many borrowers, especially those enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, relied heavily on IDR plans to reduce their financial burden. With the SAVE plan paused and online applications unavailable, borrowers are left with limited options, such as the standard 10-year repayment plan, which often comes with higher monthly payments.
The controversy surrounding the SAVE plan began when a group of Republican-led states filed a lawsuit last summer to block its implementation. Since then, approximately 8 million borrowers have been in an interest-free forbearance period while the legal battle continues. The latest federal court ruling sent the case back to a district court for a final decision. Meanwhile, borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan will not be required to make payments until at least December, giving them some temporary relief as student-loan servicers work to update payment plans.
Persis Yu, deputy executive director and managing counsel at the Student Borrower Protection Center, expressed concern over the administration's decision. She stated that shutting down access to all income-based repayment plans was not mandated by the court and accused the Trump administration of making a "cruel choice" that could cause significant hardship for millions of working families. The Education Department has yet to provide guidance on how borrowers should proceed during this period of uncertainty.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently unveiled documents from the ongoing investigation into financier Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the considerable anticipation and media hype surrounding this release, it became evident that much of the information was already publicly available. The address book, which included names of notable figures from various sectors, did not contain any groundbreaking revelations. This event has reignited discussions about transparency and the handling of high-profile cases.
Details of the DOJ's Document Release
In a highly anticipated move during the early spring of 2025, the DOJ released a series of redacted files related to the Epstein investigation. Political commentators were seen at the White House carrying binders labeled “declassified,” signaling what many hoped would be a significant disclosure. Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously indicated that substantial new information would be made public. However, upon closer inspection, the documents largely contained previously leaked material that had never been officially released by the U.S. government.
The redacted contact book included names such as Mike Bloomberg, Alec Baldwin, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, David Koch, and members of the Kennedy family. Notably, many of these individuals have never faced accusations of misconduct related to Epstein. Additionally, a list of 254 "masseuses" was entirely redacted to protect potential victim information. Epstein was accused of sex trafficking women and girls over an extended period, but the DOJ's release failed to provide any new bombshells, leading to disappointment among those anticipating watershed revelations.
This document release comes years after Business Insider obtained and authenticated one of Epstein’s address books in 2021. A woman discovered the book on a Manhattan sidewalk in the 1990s. Over the years, additional names of associates have emerged through unsealed court documents, further fueling international intrigue and conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s case.
Epstein's ties to influential business and cultural figures have drawn global attention. Among those named in his books are former President Bill Clinton, President Donald Trump, and Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Epstein's death in August 2019, ruled a suicide, remains a point of controversy and speculation.
From a journalistic perspective, the lack of new information in the DOJ's release raises questions about the effectiveness and transparency of investigative processes in high-profile cases. It underscores the need for more thorough and timely disclosures to maintain public trust and ensure justice is served. The media's role in managing expectations and providing accurate context is also crucial in such scenarios.
In this inspiring story, a young entrepreneur shares her journey of acquiring two properties before turning 27. By leveraging rental income and strategic property investments, she has successfully navigated the complexities of homeownership and real estate investment. Her experience highlights the importance of seizing opportunities early and adapting to market conditions.
A Strategic Path to Property Ownership
In the vibrant autumn of 2021, Ila Corcoran, then 22, embarked on an ambitious venture by purchasing her first home in Forney, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. Motivated by the lower housing costs outside California, Corcoran took advantage of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan to buy a four-bedroom house for $250,000. This move marked the beginning of her journey as a savvy investor, utilizing a strategy known as "house hacking," where she lived in one bedroom while renting out the others to cover monthly expenses.
Over the next few years, Corcoran's rental income amounted to $110,000, providing her with the financial cushion needed to expand her portfolio. In January 2024, she acquired her second property in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a two-bedroom home valued at $190,000. Opting for a seller-financed mortgage, she secured a 6.5% interest rate and a 10-year repayment term. The flexibility of this arrangement allowed her to bypass traditional banking requirements and focus on building wealth through real estate.
Corcoran's decision to leave California was driven by the desire to capitalize on more affordable markets. Despite the challenges of moving away from her home state, she recognized the potential for significant returns on investment. Her choice of Dallas and Tulsa was strategic, considering factors like population growth, emerging communities, and high rental demand. These elements made these locations ideal for both living and investing.
Managing multiple roommates presented its own set of challenges. Communication and clear boundaries were crucial in maintaining harmonious living arrangements. Corcoran emphasized the importance of patience and open dialogue, ensuring that everyone felt heard and respected. Her experience as a former property manager in Los Angeles provided valuable insights into tenant relations and contract management.
The purchase of her second home in Tulsa introduced Corcoran to the concept of seller-financed mortgages. This unconventional approach offered several advantages, including reduced upfront costs and streamlined documentation. Both parties benefited from this arrangement, with the seller receiving gradual payments and minimizing tax liabilities, while Corcoran gained access to a valuable asset without the stringent requirements of traditional loans.
Reflecting on her journey, Corcoran expresses pride in defying conventional wisdom. When she bought her first home, many advised against it, citing concerns about market conditions and timing. However, she remained undeterred, recognizing that waiting for the "perfect" moment could mean missing out on valuable opportunities. Her foresight and willingness to take calculated risks have paid off, allowing her to build a substantial net worth at a young age.
For Corcoran, real estate investing is not just about financial gain; it's also about addressing social inequalities. As a Black woman, she sees her investments as a way to contribute to closing the homeownership gap between different demographics. Her success serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with determination and strategic planning, anyone can achieve their financial goals.
From a journalist's perspective, Corcoran's story underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and taking calculated risks. It highlights the potential rewards of strategic real estate investments and the value of perseverance in achieving long-term financial stability. Her journey encourages readers to think beyond conventional advice and consider alternative paths to building wealth and personal fulfillment.