To the Point
The Growing Scandal in Student Loans
With Congress investigating an $85 billion industry, the government's top student-loan regulator is stepping down. We investigate kickbacks, fraud and how students and parents can assess their return on investment when tuition costs $50,000 a year. Also, an update on the Griffith Park fire and how you might be getting pinched at the pump.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenWith Congress investigating an $85 billion industry, the government's top student-loan regulator is stepping down. How widespread are kickbacks and fraud? How can students and parents assess their return on investment when tuition costs $50,000 a year? Also, an update on the Griffith Park fire in Los Angeles and, on Reporter's Notebook, when five gallons of gasoline is not five gallons of gasoline? You might be getting pinched at the pump.
In this episode
3 storiesUpdate on the Fire in Griffith Park
Los Angeles is looking for temperatures in the 90's and strong winds today. That's bad news for firefighters in Griffith Park , where 600 acres have burned and 150 homes as well as major tourist attractions have been evacuated. Andrew Blankstein reports for the Los Angeles Times .
Read the story6 minThe Growing Scandal in Student Loans
Education Secretary Margaret Spelling heads to Capitol Hill tomorrow to answer questions about student loans . With tuitions rising toward $50,000 a year at top institutions, student lending is an $85 billion industry.
Read the story36 minCustomers Get Less than They Paid for with 'Hot Fuel'
Gasoline and diesel fuel expand when temperatures rise and shrink when it cools down. That means in warm weather you're probably getting less than you pay for. The difference may not be much for a single tank, but it all adds up. "The overcharge is rampant, legal and hard for consumers to spot. But it's no secret," says the Los Angeles Times…
Read the story7 min
