By BRAD POLUMBO - College students must realize that only conservatism can save higher education Total student debt hit an astronomical $1.48 trillion this year. The average graduate now leaves school with $40,000 in loans hanging over his head. So is it really a surprise that Senator Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) won over millions of young people in 2016? After all, he campaigned on student-loan bailouts and “free college.” Many students desperate for an answer now support this agenda — in the hope of escaping crushing amounts in debt.

New UMass Amherst Poll Shows Biden with Early Lead in 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary; Warren in Third Due to Issues with Men, Older Voters. Poll also shows Senator Markey facing close competition from Healey, Moulton.

A) A new poll conducted by UMass Amherst found that a notable percentage of state voters believe both President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and mass media practices played a role in the recent spate of violent incidents across the nation, although a greater number placed responsibility on the president. The UMass Poll also asked voters which media outlets they trust for their political information. 

B) There is national and regional coverage of the most recent findings of the UMass Poll. Politico reports that Sen. Edward Markey could face a strong challenge in 2020 from Maura Healey, the attorney general. Markey fares better against Rep. Seth Moulton. Among potential presidential candidates, Sen. Elizabeth Warren comes in third among Democratic and independent voters in Massachusetts. 

Political consultant Ryan McCollum and UMass Prof. Justin Gross discusses the impact of celebrity political endorsements on the midterm elections. Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness & Pamela Schwartz believe new legislation can help curb homelessness in Mass.