Federal Student Loan Defaults Return After Pandemic Pause During 2026:Q1, household debt balances increased slightly by $18 billion to reach $18.8 trillion, according to the latest Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit from the New York Fed’s Center for Microeconomic Data. While mortgage, HELOC, and auto balances rose, student loan balances remained unchanged. However, the share of student loan balances past due increased, nearing pre-pandemic levels at just over 10 percent. The report focuses on borrowers who entered federal student loan default over the past two quarters, revealing that the average borrower entering default is nearly 40 years old, was not past due on their loans prior to the pandemic, and is more likely to live in the South. The pandemic pause on student loan payments, which began in March 2020, allowed borrowers to avoid making payments for over three years. Interest rates were set to zero percent during this period, and many borrowers received extensions delaying their repayment obligations. The pause officially ended in September 2023, when payments resumed and interest began accruing again. Most borrowers were expected to make their first payment in October 2023, but a 12-month “on-ramp” period was introduced, during which missed payments were not reported to credit bureaus. This allowed borrowers time to adjust to repayment terms without immediate credit consequences. The first student loan delinquencies were reported on credit reports during 2025:Q1. By the end of 2025:Q4, over 17 percent of student loan borrowers had fallen at least 90 days past due on their payments at least once. It takes 270 days of missed payments to enter federal student loan default, so 2025:Q4 became the first quarter when new defaults appeared on credit reports.#south #new_york_fed #federal_student_loan_defaults #save_repayment_plan #equifax_risk_score
Publix Expands Prepared Food Lineup with New Brisket Subs and Desserts Grocery store prepared food and deli sections are experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by shifting consumer habits. Over the past decade, the number of Americans choosing deli-prepared meals over restaurant dining has more than doubled, reaching 28% in 2025, according to The Food Industry Association. This trend is further amplified by 53% of Americans who regularly adopt a hybrid approach to meals, combining prepped ingredients from grocery stores with home-cooked elements. Industry experts emphasize that retailers must offer signature items to stand out, as these products reduce decision fatigue and foster repeat purchases. Publix, one of the South’s largest grocery chains, has mastered this strategy with its iconic “Pub Subs,” which have become a viral sensation. The chain’s latest expansion includes four new brisket-based subs, marking a significant shift from its previous reliance on mass-produced proteins like deli meat and chicken tenders. The decision to feature brisket was driven by consumer feedback and product testing, with a Texas-based supplier playing a key role in delivering the quality and consistency required for the new offerings. The new brisket lineup includes the Publix Southern Style Brisket Sub, which features smoked brisket, Publix cheddar, dill pickles, crispy fried onions, and Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce. Other additions include the Publix Brisket & Cheddar Sub, Publix Brisket & Bacon Sub, and Publix Brisket & Avocado Sub, each highlighting the chain’s commitment to bold flavor combinations and generous portions. These sandwiches aim to build on the legacy of the Pub Sub, a product that has already gained widespread acclaim for its fresh ingredients and hearty portions.#south #publix #texasbasedsupplier #foodindustryassociation #fmi
Opposition: Will oppose delimitation, it cuts share of south, NE #Opposition #south #oppose_delimitation #cuts_share #delimitation
Severe Weather Outbreak Maps Tracker: Radar, Warnings, Storm Reports And More Severe weather is expected to persist through early Thursday morning, with the potential for tornadoes, damaging winds exceeding 75 mph, and large hail impacting parts of the South and East. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for these conditions, emphasizing the need for preparedness. Maps and radar data are available to help track the evolving storm system, which is anticipated to affect the region through midweek. These resources will be updated regularly to reflect the latest developments, so residents are advised to monitor them closely for real-time information. The storm system is driven by significant atmospheric instability, measured by CAPE (Convective Available Potential Energy). Higher CAPE values indicate a greater likelihood of thunderstorm formation, which can lead to severe weather events. Additionally, wind shear—the change in wind speed or direction with height—plays a critical role in the development of severe storms. These factors combine to create conditions favorable for tornadoes and extreme wind events. Meteorologists warn that the situation remains dynamic, with the potential for significant impacts. Residents in affected areas should stay informed through local alerts and follow safety guidelines to protect themselves and their communities.#national_weather_service #storm_system #south #east #cape
