The Biden Administration’s Latest Attempt at Student Loan Forgiveness

What exactly does the Department of Education’s newly released plan for student loan repayment mean for borrowers, and will it stand in the face of further legal challenges?

Two SCOTUS Cases May Have Implications for Medicare and Medicaid

The coming decision in a pair of recent Supreme Court companion cases could roll back Chevron deference and cause upheaval to the administration of Medicare and Medicaid

Mississippi Moves on Medicaid Expansion

The move would mark a milestone for the Deep South state.

What is Super Tuesday?

Voters in 15 states are getting ready to cast primary ballots on Super Tuesday. Here’s what you should know.

HR 5378 – The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act

What you should know about the bipartisan Lower Costs, More Transparency Act that passed the House on December 11, 2023.

Bipartisan Spending Bill Pushes Off Another Government Shutdown

The House and Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through early March.

What is a government shutdown?

Understand what a government shutdown is, the current controversies over the budget, and some potential consequences of the government shutting down. 

BROOKINGS RESEARCH – “Why did the budget deficit grow so much in FY 2023? And what does this imply about the future debt trajectory?”

COLA Updates to Come in 2024

New changes are being introduced by the Social Security Administration regarding the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Urban Institute Models Social Security and Medicare Benefits for Future Generations

The Urban DYNASIM model allows us to look at how future generations will benefit relative to what they’ll pay.

Keep Our Republic discusses protecting voters' choice in the 2024 presidential election at the University of Pittsburgh

Free the Facts Ambassador Livia LaMarca attended the event at the University of Pittsburgh on November 8, 2023.

Without a Speaker, the Federal Budget Hangs in the Balance

With Speaker McCarthy removed from his position and the stop-gap measure set to expire on November 17, what does this mean for the approval of the 2024 federal budget?

Debt Ceiling

Here we’ll refresh your memory on the debt ceiling before reviewing key provisions from the bill, so you don’t have to read the 40-page document. 

In the Aftermath of the Banking Crisis

After one of the nation’s largest banks collapsed last month, federal regulators scrambled to prevent a widespread financial crisis. Learn about the lasting impacts and lessons from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank

Key Takeaways from Biden’s 2024 Budget Proposal

What you need to know about the President’s latest budget proposal.

Medicare-Medicaid Dual Eligibles

Meeting the complex needs of Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibles, an especially vulnerable demographic of low-income seniors, has challenged policymakers for decades. In this piece, we will explore what entails this challenge, current approaches to coordinate care, and potential future solutions.

What You Should Know About the Student Loan Forgiveness Hearings

With frequent updates, multiple lawsuits, and no official decision yet from the Supreme Court, keeping up with the student loan forgiveness debate can be confusing. We broke the issue down for you in our article covering everything you need to know about the recent hearings- read it today on the Free the Facts blog!

The Debt Ceiling Debate in 2023

The debt ceiling has dominated the news cycle recently. But what even is the debt ceiling? We’ve got you covered.

A Bigger Imagination: A Conversation With Ashley C. Ford

For Ashley C. Ford, hiding her opinions did not work for her, leading to a very honest and real approach in her writings.

What Do Social Security And Star Wars Have In Common?

In honor of Star Wars Day, enjoy this Social Security infographic from a galaxy (not so) far, far away... And May the 4th be with you.

Is Medicare Drug Price Negotiation On The Table In 2022?

Here's what you need to know about the health care proposal that President Biden mentioned in last month's State of the Union address.

3 Things You Should Know About The President’s Latest Budget Proposal

Don't have time to read the 158-page budget proposal released last week? We've got you covered with three things you should know...

Try Your Luck At Fixing Social Security This St. Patrick's Day!

According to the most recent Social Security Trustees Report, the program is facing insolvency... but there are several ways to fix it.

Why Is The Federal Reserve Raising Interest Rates This Month?

The Federal Reserve has signaled that it will kick off a series of interest rate hikes this month. Here's what that could mean for you.

Why Congress Temporarily Suspended Medicare Payment Cuts This Month

Medicare faced some significant cuts to its health care provider payments this month, until Congress intervened.

Are You Among The 34% of Americans Making This New Year's Resolution In 2022?

One-third of Americans will make similar New Year's resolutions this year. Luckily for them, Free the Facts has a tool that could help!

When Was The Last Time We Made A Major Change To Social Security?

Here's your holiday-themed fact about Social Security! Can you believe it's been this long since we made a major change to the program?

Everything You Need To Know About Alexandria, Virginia's New Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

Here's how the city plans to use $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to combat poverty.

Drugs and Dollars: A Conversation About Medicare Part D with Erin Taylor

Taylor, a senior health policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, spoke to attendees during FtF’s final Fall Virtual Series event.

What Borrowers Can Do Before 2022: A Conversation About Student Loans with Jenna Kramer

Kramer, an associate policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, joined attendees during the second event of FtF’s Fall Virtual Series.

Why Your Thanksgiving Dinner May Cost More This Year

Turkey costs have risen over the last decade, making Thanksgiving even pricier. Here's how they compare with the inflation rate...

One Fact About Student Loan Debt Has Us Spooked This Halloween

More and more young Americans are graduating with student loan debt each year. Find out more with this Halloween-themed infographic.

How Does The $28.8 Trillion National Debt Stack Up Compared To Our Solar System?

The U.S. national debt hasn’t soared “to infinity and beyond” just yet… but at $28.8 trillion, it’s getting there. Learn more here.

Let’s Look Back At 18 Months of Extensions on the Federal Student Loan Freeze

The pause on federal student loan repayments was supposed to end today, so here's our recap of a year and a half’s worth of extensions.

Your Handy Guide To The 2021 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports

The 2021 Trustees Reports are here! According to the trustees, the future looks grim for the federal government’s two largest programs.

Two Newsweek Reports Describe The Impact of Student Loan Debt on Parents

Parent borrowers are often left out of conversations about student loan debt, but according to these recent reports, they shouldn't be.

How To Evaluate The Quality of a Policy: A Conversation with Dr. Risha Gidwani

Health economist Dr. Risha Gidwani explained how experts evaluate the quality of a public policy at Free the Facts’ final summer event.

Could The Engagement Ring From "The Bachelorette" Pay Off Your Student Loans?

We compared the average price of an engagement ring from The Bachelorette to the average American's federal student loan debt.

BPC Report Explains 5 Proposals To Save Medicare’s HI Trust Fund From Insolvency

A recent BPC report says that Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will become insolvent by 2026... unless Congress intervenes.

Could Wu-Tang Clan's $2 Million Album Fund The Federal Budget?

The U.S. government just sold the only copy of Wu-Tang's 2015 album, so we asked ourselves, "How long would it fund federal spending?"

Social Security And Its Implications For Younger People: A Conversation with Dr. Kathryn Edwards

The second event of Free the Facts’ 2021 Summer Series featured a live Q&A with Dr. Kathryn Edwards of the RAND Corporation.

Just How Big Is The $6.8 Trillion Federal Budget?

We asked ourselves how long it would take Jeff Bezos's 'New Shepard' spaceship to fly to the top of the federal budget.

What You Need To Know About the Latest Economic Projections from the CBO

Your rundown of the CBO’s July 1st outlook, which projects a rising national debt and slow economic growth over the next decade.

Will I Make It Into The Middle Class? A Conversation with Dr. Melanie Zaber

Dr. Melanie Zaber of the RAND Corporation spoke to attendees at the first event of Free the Facts' 2021 Summer Series.

A Q&A with Dr. Julius Chen: FtF Policy Advisor, Columbia Professor, and Health Economist

We sat down for an exclusive Q&A about Dr. Chen’s research interests, professional experiences, and advice for college students.

“Not All Borrowers Need Help”: Brookings’ Adam Looney on Student Debt Inequities

Brookings Senior Fellow Adam Looney presented an important testimony last month on inequities among student loan borrowers.

Whatever You’re Doing, Do It Well: A Q&A with Senior Policy Advisor Tom Church

Senior Policy Advisor Tom Church shared his advice for students and spoke about his career in this exclusive Q&A for the FtF Blog.

Numbers vs. Narrative: A Conversation with Dr. Celia Gomez

Dr. Celia Gomez, Co-Director of the Center for Qualitative and Mixed Methods at the RAND Corporation, spoke to Ambassadors last week.

An Effort To Understand: A Conversation with David Murray

Speechwriter and NYT bestselling author David Murray offered FtF Ambassadors some insights on the qualities of a good communicator.

The Kaiser Family Foundation on Racial Inequities within Medicare

A 2021 report from KFF finds that COVID-19 is exacerbating racial and health inequities among Medicare beneficiaries.

“Zooming Out” and Understanding the Media: A Conversation with Bubba Atkinson

Media veteran Bubba Atkinson shared industry insights and career advice with Free the Facts Ambassadors at last week's event.

Saving for Retirement: A Tool to Calculate Your Retirement Plan

Members of the FtF team ran three scenarios for what a college graduate’s retirement savings could look like. You can try it out, too!

The RAND Corporation on New Jersey’s Tuition Aid Grant and College Completion

A new report from the RAND Corporation explores the effects of New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant on college persistence and completion.

Coronavirus: Leadership During Crisis

Washington Post Live hosted an event in February to discuss the struggles and opportunities leaders are facing during the pandemic.

What The Extended Pause On Federal Student Loan Repayment Could Mean For You

President Biden has extended the pause on federal student loans until October 1st. Here's what that could mean for your repayment plan.

Why Millions Of Uninsured Americans Aren’t Enrolling in Medicaid or Marketplace Coverage

Researchers from the Urban Institute explain why we're facing a health insurance information drought and the consequences it holds.

Uncovering the Benefits of Income Share Agreements

Game of Loans coauthor Beth Akers discussed the benefits of income share agreements in an American Enterprise Institute report.

Let’s Talk Civics: The RAND Corporation on Restoring Public Trust Through Education

Researchers at RAND have several key suggestions on how to fight the phenomenon known as “Truth Decay" in our classrooms.

What Does The “American Rescue Plan” Mean for Medicaid Recipients?

President Biden rolled out his latest plan for COVID-19 relief earlier this month, and it includes specific provisions for Medicaid.

What Does Latest Coronavirus Relief Package Mean for Student Loans?

In late December, Congress passed a second round of coronavirus relief. Here's what that can mean for student loan borrowers.

Income Share Agreements 101: A Conversation with Dr. Melanie Zaber

The Fall Policy Tour continued on Monday with Senior Policy Advisor Tom Church interviewing Dr. Melanie Zaber of the RAND Corporation.

Are Student Loans In Crisis? A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Chingos of the Urban Institute

Our Fall 2020 Policy Tour continued on Monday with a discussion between the Urban Institute's Dr. Matthew Chingos and FtF’s Tom Church.

COVID-19, Healthcare, and Innovation: A Conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Clemens

FtF Policy Advisor Dr. Julius Chen hosted a conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Clemens during the sixth Fall Policy Tour event of 2020.

The Supreme Court & The ACA: What To Expect From California v. Texas

Dr. Lanhee Chen provided attendees with a quick intro to healthcare, the parties involved in California v. Texas, and its implications.

The Speechwriters Speak: A Conversation with John McConnell and Brian Bolduc

Free the Facts wrapped up Series 1 of its Fall Policy Tour with a Q&A featuring two veteran speechwriters.

Truth Decay: A Conversation with Michael Rich of the RAND Corporation

Attendees heard from Michael Rich, president & CEO of the RAND Corporation, about misinformation and evidence-based policymaking.

Message and Moments: A Conversation with Presidential Debate Coach Brett O’Donnell

Attendees had the chance to hear from Brett O'Donnell, veteran debate coach, at FtF's Policy Tour kickoff event.

Medicalizing Mortality: FtF Book Club Talks ‘Being Mortal’

Members of the FtF Book Club joined Policy Advisor Dr. Julius Chen to discuss healthcare, aging, and 'Being Mortal' by Atul Gawande.

Events in Context: Payroll Taxes, Social Security & COVID Relief

Back in August, President Trump issued an executive order regarding payroll taxes. Let's break down how it could change your paycheck.

5 Ways Trump’s Executive Order Could Impact Entitlement Programs

5 potential scenarios for how the latest executive order on payroll taxes might (or might not) affect entitlement programs.

COVID-19 Puts Entitlement Programs In Peril

According to Dr. Lanhee Chen, Social Security and Medicare are hurting on at least three fronts after the economic fallout of COVID-19.

“Degree or Not Degree?” Skills-Based Hiring & The Federal Government

A recent executive order on federal hiring practices shows that more and more employers are looking beyond a formal education...

A Common Debt-nominator: FtF Book Club Talks Game of Loans at Inaugural Meeting

Members of the FtF Book Club joined Senior Policy Advisor Tom Church last week to discuss the rhetoric and reality of student debt.

Events in Context: Why Protestors Want You To Spend Money In The Black Community

Why are Americans being encouraged to support Black-owned businesses right now? In part, because it sends a powerful message...

What Does COVID-19 Mean for Medicare and Social Security?

The reports are in, but the findings come with one big caveat: they're based on data collected before COVID-19.

White House Photographer Pete Souza Talks Photos and History at Washington University in St. Louis

Free the Facts Ambassador Julia Fish attended a talk by Pete Souza at WashU on February 19th.

Universal Basic Income: It’s Not as New as You Think!

In the wild world of the 2020 Democratic primaries, an obscure economic policy has been brought to the forefront...

Paying Student Loans: Unpacking the Process

The student loan crisis grows more daunting each year, but how do you begin to tackle a problem of this magnitude?

Monetary Policy Explained

The Fed’s latest monetary policies may sound complex, but understanding a few key terms clarifies the objectives of monetary policy...

We Read It So You Didn't Have To! Brookings Report: Automation and Artificial Intelligence

In this report, Brookings’ Mark Muro, Robert Maxim, and Jacob Whiton write on the impact of automation and artificial intelligence...

Breaking Down the Demographic: Millennials Explained

Our review of Millennial demographics demonstrates that young Americans bring diversity, technological skill, and fresh social...