Even though student-loan legislation has been delayed in the Senate, most colleges participating in the bank-based loan program are getting ready to switch to direct lending. Beckie Supiano and Sara Hebel explain why those institutions aren't dragging their feet.

Kelly Field, The Chronicle's chief Washington reporter, and Sara Hebel, our politics editor, spend a minute (or so) each week discussing the key higher-education debates and behind-the-scenes maneuvering taking place in the nation's capital. Other Chronicle reporters and special guests will be filling in for Kelly Field while she is on family leave. Look for new episodes every Tuesday.