The Smile: 01/16/2025

 

Happy Thursday. Yesterday brought a rare glimmer of hope in the midst of turmoil: Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that could bring much-needed relief to Gaza and lead to the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. If successful, this agreement could not only halt the devastating conflict in Gaza but also defuse tensions across the region. This breakthrough offers a moment to reflect on the resilience of those affected and the possibility of progress even in the darkest times. Today’s newsletter is here to remind us that hope and humanity can endure. Let’s dive into uplifting stories and hold onto the light, together. 💛 Israel and Hamas reach a Gaza ceasefire agreement Governor Hochul Announces Free, Healthy School Meals for All Students in New York FDA moves to slash nicotine in cigarettes Biden administration cancels loans for 260,000 former Ashford University students THANK YOU!  WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 260,000 former students of the now-defunct for-profit Ashford University are getting their student loans erased as the Biden administration presses ahead with debt forgiveness in its final days. Ashford was once one of the nation’s largest for-profit college companies, with more than 100,000 students. It was owned by the company Zovio until the University of Arizona bought the online college in 2020. The Education Department started forgiving loans for Ashford students after a California court found the college routinely misled prospective students about its accreditation, costs and the time it would take to graduate. In 2023 the agency canceled loans for an initial 2,300 former Ashford students who applied for relief through the borrower defense program. The new action expands forgiveness to all former students who attended during the alleged misconduct, even if they didn’t apply for relief. The administration’s new action will erase loan balances for borrowers who attended Ashford from March 2009 through April 2020. In a rare move, the department also sought to forbid Zovio’s founder from acting as an executive for any institution that receives federal financial aid. A statement from the agency said it’s proposing to debar Andrew Clark for at least three years because he “not only supervised the unlawful conduct, he personally participated in it, driving some of the worst aspects of the boiler-room-style recruiting culture.” 100-year-old Atascadero woman sets out to raise $100K for local food pantry House Democrats urge Garland to 'take all necessary steps' to release Jack Smith's report on Trump classified docs case Hidden 'Continental-Size Lake' Discovered in Oregon Donald Trump's Local Newspaper Ridicules Mass Deportation Plan Elderly couple battles flames from LA fires, saves home FDA bans Red No. 3 food dye in food, drinks: Here's what to know Thank you for reading, and we hope these articles shine a light on your day. In solidarity, Emily from The Smile