“If education was worth so much,” writes Andy F., responding to Friday’s issue, “why is loan repayment such a problem?

“Reality is that the ‘college education’ that was SOLD to children, is garbage. If paying the loans back is such a massive problem, I think fraud is a major issue.

“Colleges and universities should be sued for loan balances instead of trying to force suckers into paying INSANE amounts of money for what was supposed to help them achieve a happy life.

“Sue these lousy schools for the loan amount, plus damages, for committing fraud.” 

Beth A. adds: “Joe Biden's idea of student-loan forgiveness is a burning slap in the face for my four kids who worked on weekends and every holiday to help pay their way through college

“There were no spring break trips, no sororities or fraternities, just hard work and a clean slate when they graduated. They saw first-hand how the other side lived during those years — high on the hog is a good description! 

“To think the government would reward those who took out thousands of dollars in loans is incomprehensible. This should never happen!” 

Thanks to our two contributors today… If you have a comment on the topic of student-loan forgiveness, I’m all ears. 

Send your opinions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com

Your Rundown for Monday, January 29, 2024...

Cybercrime Alert 

A recent report from cybersecurity firm Trustpair revealed a dramatic rise in cybercrime targeting U.S. companies in 2023. 

Of the 260 companies surveyed, a staggering 250 — or 96% — said they experienced attempted online fraud over the past year. 

This represents a 71% increase compared to 2022.

Trustpair attributes this cybercrime surge to fraudsters leveraging AI to operate faster and better than ever before. 

Tactics including phishing texts and emails as well as voicemails, impersonating executives, have become more commonplace. 

Indeed, with even a tiny audio sample of an executive’s voice, cybercriminals using AI deepfake technology can duplicate a convincing-enough voicemail. 

Despite advancement of AI-powered scams, many companies have yet to implement adequate safeguards.

“Companies aren’t shifting to automation quickly enough,” Trustpair warns, “and are still lagging behind fraudsters.” 

Trustpair further reports that the average cost for successful AI cyberattacks among U.S. companies surveyed clocks in at $5 million. 

My question for you reader, how do you think this will impact consumers? And are you personally more alert to AI-powered hacks, etc?

Market Rundown for Monday, Jan. 29, 2024

The S&P 500 is up about 0.10% to 4,895. 

Oil is down 1.5% to $76.82 for a barrel of WTI. 

Gold is up 0.20% to $2,023 per ounce. 

Bitcoin is approaching $42,000. 

Send your comments and questions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com