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After years of pandemic-era pauses, student loan wage garnishment is officially resuming on January 7, 2026. The Department of Education is restarting collections on borrowers who are in default, about 5.3 million people nationwide.

This time around, the process moves fast. The federal government can order wage garnishment without going through the courts, and borrowers will receive a 30-day notice before any money is withheld.

In the first wave, roughly 1,000 borrowers are expected to receive notices tied directly to January paychecks, with more expected throughout the year.Up to 15% of a borrower’s disposable income can be taken.

On top of that, the government has already resumed intercepting tax refunds and offsetting Social Security benefits for those in default.

If you receive a notice, you do have options. Borrowers can pay the balance in full, negotiate a repayment plan, or request a hearing to challenge the garnishment. The restart took longer than expected due to administrative delays and systems being offline during the pause, but officials say collections are now fully back on track.

Meanwhile, new legislation signed by President Donald Trump eliminates the Graduate PLUS loan program and introduces new borrowing caps, another big shift in the student loan landscape for 2026.

Holiday gifting is supposed to be about thoughtfulness, but for Gen Z, a bad gift can send a much deeper message. A new survey by EduBirdie reveals that 16% of Gen Z respondents say receiving a cheap or poorly chosen gift from a romantic partner would be enough to end the relationship altogether.

At the heart of the issue isn’t price, it’s effort. Sixty-five percent of participants said the worst kind of gift is one that doesn’t reflect their tastes or interests. For many, it feels less like a miss and more like proof the giver doesn’t really know or care about them. When gifts come from close circles partners, family, or friends expectations are even higher, and disappointment cuts deeper.

The survey also found that 29% of respondents named an item not on their wishlist as the worst gift they’ve ever received. While gratitude is still expected, Gen Z says these moments can feel frustrating, especially when their preferences were clearly communicated but ignored.

Subscriptions didn’t fare much better. Many respondents shared that subscription-based gifts often feel like an obligation rather than a treat, adding clutter to their lives and contributing to ongoing subscription fatigue. This sentiment is especially strong among Gen Z and millennials, who are already juggling multiple recurring services.

Bottom line: for Gen Z, holiday gifts aren’t about extravagance. They’re about being seen, heard, and understood. And when that doesn’t happen, it can say more than the gift itself.

Lizzo secured a partial legal victory after three former backup dancers dropped their fat-shaming claims against the Grammy-winning artist, marking a key development in a lawsuit that has drawn national attention.

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2023, accused Lizzo of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during her Special Tour. Central to the latest ruling, Lizzo’s attorneys argued that the fat-shaming allegations had no factual basis. They submitted sworn statements from 18 witnesses who directly refuted the claims.

In February, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark H. Epstein dismissed the fat-shaming accusations under California’s anti-SLAPP law, which is designed to prevent lawsuits from limiting free speech. Lizzo’s legal team has maintained that the dismissed claims were unsupported and says it looks forward to the Court of Appeals addressing the remaining issues.

However, the case is far from over. The lawsuit still includes serious allegations of sexual harassment. The former dancers allege Lizzo pressured them to attend adult entertainment venues, interact with nude performers, and participate in sexually explicit activities, including eating fruit from performers’ genitals.

Lizzo’s attorneys have pushed back, arguing that these group outings were voluntary and tied to the singer’s creative process. They’ve also sought First Amendment protections, stating the activities were connected to artistic expression. The dancers’ attorney strongly disagreed, arguing there was no meaningful link between the alleged sexual conduct and Lizzo’s music or performances.

Judge Epstein ruled that the sexual harassment and false imprisonment claims could move forward toward trial. Lizzo is currently appealing that decision.

Adding to Lizzo’s legal challenges, a separate lawsuit filed by wardrobe designer Asha Daniels remains pending. Daniels alleges a “culture of racism and bullying” during the tour and has named Lizzo’s company, Big Grrrl Touring, as a defendant.

As the appeals process continues, the case remains a closely watched legal battle that could have broader implications for workplace standards in the entertainment industry.

Hollywood is mourning a profound loss after director and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead on December 14, 2025, inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles home. Authorities say the couple died from stab wounds, and the case is being investigated as a double homicide.

According to AP NEWS, their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, has been taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in connection with the deaths. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing.

Reiner’s impact on entertainment spanned more than five decades. He first became a household name as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family, then cemented his legacy behind the camera with films that helped define modern cinema, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally…, and A Few Good Men.

Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and producer whose creative influence extended into several of the couple’s professional projects and Hollywood partnerships. Married since 1989, the two shared three children and a life deeply rooted in the arts.

Nick Reiner has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction and homelessness, experiences that inspired the semi-autobiographical film Being Charlie, which was directed by his father.

Following news of the deaths, former President Donald Trump sparked backlash after posting comments on social media that blamed Reiner’s political views for the tragedy, despite no evidence to support the claim.

As authorities continue their investigation, tributes are pouring in from across the industry, honoring a filmmaker whose stories, humor, and humanity left a lasting mark on generations of audiences

Hillcrest Heights, MD (Saturday, December 13, 2025)  — WHUR-FM successfully wrapped up its 23rd Annual Children’s Toy Drive today from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shops at Iverson where on-air personality Coka Lani broadcast live, encouraging listeners to give generously in the spirit of the holiday season, collecting more than 2,000 new toys and gifts for children in need across the DMV. The toy drive, powered by Macy’s Downtown Metro Center, marked the final event in the station’s impactful 2025 Season of Giving.

Community members responded in full force, dropping off new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children served by trusted nonprofit organizations throughout the region. “The WHUR family once again showed what the power of community looks like,” said Sean Plater, General Manager of WHUR-FM. “For 23 years, our listeners, partners, and staff have come together to ensure children feel seen, valued, and loved during the holidays. This toy drive is more than gifts—it’s hope, joy, and reassurance for families who need it most.”

Among the organizations benefiting from this year’s toy drive is GAP Community Child Development Center, which supports children and families through early education and social services. “These toys will bring smiles, comfort, and a sense of normalcy to children who truly need it,” said Travis Harmon, CEO of GAP Child Development Center. “We are deeply grateful to WHUR and its listeners for their generosity and for consistently uplifting our community in meaningful ways.”

All donations benefit children serviced by the following organizations:

Good Projects www.goodprojects.org. Gap Community Child Development www.gapccc.com. Dunbar Alexandria Olympic Boys and Girls Club www.bgcgw.org Prince George’s County Family Justice Center www.familyjusticecenter.org Mission of Love Charities, Inc. www.molcinc.org United Communities Against Poverty www.ucappgc.org and Woodland Springs Apartments.

In addition to the toys and gifts, the organizations also received $25 gift cards courtesy of Macy’s Downtown Metro Center and gift cards from the Kayla Ross Perry Foundation.

The Children’s Toy Drive capped a robust 2025 WHUR Season of Giving, which included:

• August: Distribution of thousands of bookbags and school supplies
• October: Donation of 500 new coats and hats to children in need
• November: Raised $60k during Food2Feed Radiothon to provide Thanksgiving meals
• November: Raised $50k Aid for Jamaica Radiothon for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa

WHUR remains committed to serving as a trusted voice and community partner, uplifting families and creating lasting impact well beyond the airwaves. Special thanks to FedEx, Macy’s Downtown Metro Center, Fort Washington Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Top Flight Corvette Club, Clinton Rehabilitation Center, Sassy Sisters, and the Kayla Ross Perry Foundation