News roundup: IRS gave $18M to firms with tax debts, report says … Lower rates on student loans coming this academic year … Oil price recovery on the way, panel says, but pace will be slow

On the dotted line: The IRS awarded $18.8 million in contracts to 17 corporations that owed back taxes in fiscal years 2012 and 2013, despite a ban on the agreements, according to a government report …