WASHINGTON (AP) — The respite has come to an end. At a time when the American economy is grappling with soaring inflation and interest rates, the impending restart of student loan repayments presents yet another potential obstacle. The pause on federal student loan payments, which was implemented during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, will expire in late summer. In September, interest will begin accruing once again, and payments are set to resume in October. Despite the hopes of many borrowers for some relief, the Biden administration’s plan to alleviate the burden of loan repayments was recently struck down…
Author: NCC
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rauw Alejandro, a Puerto Rican musician signed with Sony Music Latin and Duars Entertainment, continues to push boundaries with his latest release, “Playa Saturno.” Throughout his career, Alejandro has consistently demonstrated his forward-thinking approach by infusing familiar genres with innovative twists. In an industry dominated by the popular “popetón” formula, he chose to incorporate R&B influences into reggaeton, setting himself apart. Alejandro skillfully expands on the foundation of Urbano Latino genres, characterized by the distinctive four-on-the-floor, three-beat percussive pattern (commonly known as the “boom-chk-boom-chk” rhythm), elevating it to new experimental heights. His musical exploration even extends…
Following his arrest for drunken driving, Bob Huggins has confirmed that he voluntarily entered a rehabilitation facility. He strongly denies the university’s claim that he resigned from his position at West Virginia, accusing them of spreading false information. This ongoing dispute between the Hall of Fame coach and the university has taken an unpleasant turn. In a statement obtained by the Associated Press, Huggins, through his attorney David A. Campbell, addresses the situation. Released on Monday, the statement consists of five paragraphs in which Huggins aims to clarify the events of the past two weeks since his arrest on June…
In her debut appearance at Wimbledon, 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva demonstrated remarkable maturity throughout the week. However, on Monday, her lack of experience became apparent. Having triumphed in all six of her grass-court matches to reach the fourth round at the All England Club as a Russian qualifier, Andreeva couldn’t maintain her advantage against the 25th-seeded Madison Keys. Despite claiming the first set and securing a commanding 3-0 lead in the second, Andreeva saw her advantage slip away as Keys staged a comeback. At one point, feeling frustrated, Andreeva vented her emotions by throwing her racket, resulting in a warning from…
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Taylor Swift, who emerged as a Grammy winner in 2010, unveiled “Speak Now,” her third studio album, signaling her independence as a songwriter without any collaborations. While her earlier albums, the eponymous “Taylor Swift” in 2006 and “Fearless” in 2008, received both praise and criticism for their bold bridges and insightful lyrics, skeptics questioned whether a teenage idol was truly responsible for such artistry. Swift silenced her critics with “Speak Now,” a remarkable album that preceded her transition from country’s rising star to pop’s vibrant voice. “Speak Now” served as a personal testimony of Swift’s early…
What if the treatment of obesity could be as simple as taking an effective pill? This idea has long instilled hope in the hearts of many Americans, as over 40% of the population is classified as obese. However, it has also faced criticism from proponents of wider weight acceptance. Nevertheless, this hope might soon become a reality. Final results from two studies released on Sunday night suggest that high-dose oral versions of the weight-loss drug Wegovy may be just as effective as the popular injections in reducing weight and improving overall health. These potent tablets also show promise for individuals…
Get ready for a melancholic autumn. Olivia Rodrigo, the Grammy-winning artist who gained fame with her 2021 mega-hit “drivers license,” is set to unveil her highly-anticipated second album in September. Geffen Records announced on Tuesday that the singer-actress is teaming up once again with her trusted collaborator Dan Nigro for the album titled “GUTS,” scheduled for release on September 8. Rodrigo’s debut album, “SOUR,” was a massive success, going multiplatinum and earning her three Grammy Awards. Rodrigo shared her thoughts on the upcoming album in a press release, saying, “For me, this album is an exploration of the challenges of…
Riccardo Muti, the current music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will assume the honorary position of music director emeritus for life starting from the upcoming season. This announcement was made at Orchestra Hall in Chicago on Friday evening, following a performance of Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis,” which marked the beginning of Muti’s final subscription weekend as the music director. Muti’s remarkable tenure with the orchestra began in the 2010-11 season. Muti will be conducting a repeat of Beethoven’s piece on Saturday night and Sunday, concluding his tenure with a farewell concert on Tuesday night at Millennium Park, which will be…
The phenomenon of “rage giving” was short-lived. Abortion access organizations, which received a surge of donations in response to the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade one year ago, now report the cessation of emergency grants and a decline in individual and foundation contributions. Following the Dobbs decision, several significant funders of abortion access have also terminated or redirected their funding away from organizations operating in states where abortion is now prohibited, as noted by Naa Amissah-Hammond, Senior Director of Grantmaking at Groundswell Fund, which supports grassroots groups advocating for reproductive justice. Nonprofits focused on women’s health and foster…
Dee Snider, the former frontman of the popular ’80s glam rock band Twisted Sister, is embarking on a fresh endeavor in his post-rock stardom life. In a departure from his musical career, Snider has recently unveiled his debut novel titled “Frats.” The book delves into the chaotic, harsh, and testosterone-driven world of high school fraternities in 1970s Long Island, New York, the very same place where Snider grew up. This foray into the realm of writing adds to Snider’s already diverse repertoire, which includes stints as a radio disc jockey, a voiceover artist for television, a Broadway actor, and even…