Congressional leaders were unable to come to a conclusion on how to deal with federal student loan interest rates. July 1st was the deadline, but that interest rate will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. Student loan debt rises every minute and it has reached a total of $1 trillion. Higher interest rates can accelerate the issue.

The infographic below, provided by OnlineColleges.com, outlines the pressing issue of student loan debt in the United States.

July 4 is a time of heightened patriotism. Celebrating our independence from Great Britain's rule, Americans across the nation gather with friends and family to commemorate the establishment of our freedom and the principles on which our country was founded.

The bipartisan agreement to limit the scope of American presidential debates is exemplary of the paltry nature of national political discourse.

As Independence Day approaches, and flags hang from the windows of street corner cafes, suburban homes and billion dollar corporations, it is important to reflect on what it means to be a citizen in this country and what it will take to continue being proud.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel had his first in-person meeting with the panel responsible for reviewing the Department of Defense's (DoD) policies and procedures regarding sexual assault on June 27. Until then, the Defense Secretary had participated in the meetings by teleconference.

The Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP), in San Luis Obispo, is the last functioning nuclear plant in California. Regardless of predispositions on nuclear energy, the plant provides a large amount of carbon free energy. Its presence also generates economic activity on the local, state, and national level.

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It is extremely rare to hear members of both major political parties working together in Congress, but when legislation comes along -- like the U.S. Senate's "comprehensive" immigration reform bill -- you will hear the words 'bipartisan' and 'bipartisanship' thrown around many times. It's a chance for members of Congress to say, "hey look, we're working together."

Independence Day is a hallmark of the American experience. It is remembered as the day America's founding document, the Declaration of Independence, was signed by the Founding Fathers on July 4, 1776.

As many things prescribed to American antiquity -- including Paul Revere's ride and Betsy Ross sewing the first flag -- that's not completely accurate. The Declaration of Independence was actually signed on August 2, 1776, and the Continental Congress declared independence on July 2, 1776.