The James Logan Courier

By Shashank Bengali and Nancy A. Youssef
McClatchy Newspapers (MCT)

MALINDI, Kenya — With Somali pirates pointing an automatic rifle at a hostage American ship captain, U.S. Navy sharpshooters opened fire Sunday, killing the pirates and ending an extraordinary five-day standoff that marked the first seizure of a U.S. vessel by pirates on the high seas in at least two centuries.

Three pirates were killed, the Pentagon said. The captain, 53-year-old Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vt., was rescued unharmed and taken aboard a U.S. warship. A fourth pirate who had surrendered earlier also was being detained, and could face trial in the United States.

By Matthew Brandeburg
Young Money Magazine (MCT)

Today it's not uncommon for college graduates to owe $50,000, $100,000 or even $150,000 in student loans upon graduating. Unfortunately, it's commonplace given the escalating costs of tuition and students taking more than four years to complete their education.

Students loans are the necessary price to pay for opportunities and the possibility of career advancement. But be warned, once you assume these loans it becomes your responsibility to manage them effectively and "do your homework."