Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Student Loan Collections Restart Today
As of today, the U.S. Department of Education has resumed collections on defaulted federal student loans, ending a pause that began in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change affects over 5-million borrowers currently in default and potentially millions more at risk of defaulting soon. Borrowers who have missed payments for 270 days or more are considered in default. Those people are now eligible for involuntary collection actions from the government, including wage garnishment, tax refund offsets, Social Security benefit reductions and more.
2 One Dead, Fifteen Injured In South Houston Mass Shooting At Sweet 16 Party
A tragic shooting occurred during a family gathering in southeast Houston, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old male and injuries to 15 others. The incident took place around 12:50 a.m. on the 6000 block of Cherryhill Avenue. According to the Houston Police Department, an uninvited guest arrived at the party and was asked to leave. As he departed, he opened fire into the crowd, prompting some attendees to return gunfire. Upon arrival, officers encountered an active and chaotic scene, with gunshots still being fired and multiple victims found across the property. Emergency responders established a triage area at a nearby Jack in the Box restaurant to treat the wounded. Some victims were transported to hospitals by emergency services, while others sought medical attention on their own. The injured individuals range in age from 16 to 40 years old, with several in critical condition and undergoing surgery. Multiple individuals were detained for questioning; however, no arrests have been made, and it remains unclear if the shooter is among those detained.
3 Elon Musk's Starbase Headed To Official Cityhood In Texas
Elon Musk's vision of establishing a city centered around SpaceX's launch site in South Texas has happened. Residents voted overwhelmingly on Saturday, 212 in favor and 6 against, to incorporate the area as the City of Starbase. The community, located in Boca Chica near Brownsville, is primarily composed of SpaceX employees and their families. The newly formed city spans approximately 1.5 square miles and will be governed as a Type C municipality, featuring a mayor and a two-member commission. Bobby Peden, a SpaceX employee, was elected as the city's first mayor, with all officials running unopposed. The official recognition of Starbase as a city is pending judicial certification.