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$42B in student debt forgiven for public workers: How to qualify for the PSLF program

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

(NEXSTAR) - As federal student loan borrowers nationwide await the Supreme Court's decision on President Biden's debt forgiveness, new data shows thousands have received relief as part of a separate program.More than 615,000 borrowers have received $42 billion in debt relief since October 2021 due to temporary changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the Department of Education announced Monday. The PSLF program, created in 2007, is intended to help employees with nonprofit and government agencies by forgiving their student loans after 10 years of payments (120 total payments). The overall approval rate among applicants was low – only around 7,000 borrowers had been approved before 2021, according to the Education Department. Future of student loan forgiveness looms over Biden in 2024 In October 2021, the Biden administration temporarily waived certain PSLF requirements that granted borrowers credit toward loan cancellation regardless of their federal loan t...

Bill would crack down on migrant child labor violations

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Lawmakers are demanding reforms to protect migrant kids who have been found working in plants and slaughterhouses."Thousands tens of thousands of those kids are in forced child labor conditions at slaughterhouses, at factories, working construction jobs," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said. "It is absolutely unconscionable."He said the problem stems from the Biden administration's border policies."(President Joe Biden) opened the door to child smugglers two years ago," Hawley claimed.He has proposed legislation requiring companies to submit annual independent audits of their labor practices to the U.S. Department of Labor."We should root out all child labor from our supply chains," Hawley said. "Fine the corporations. Go after them."The Department of Labor has promised not to turn a blind eye to the surge in child labor violations, which have increased 69% since 2018. A special task force launched to crack down on the problem has 600 open investigations. The depart...

Here's how teachers can get freebies and discounts for Teacher Appreciation Week

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

(WTAJ) — Each May, we celebrate those who educate our children through Teacher Appreciation Week. For many, that means doughnuts in the break room or a thoughtful batch of cards from students, but some retailers are looking to recognize retailers outside of campus. The following places will offer discounts for teachers across the country: Applebees - free appetizer with purchase of any entrée and valid ID (May 1-May 13 at participating locations)Great Wolf Lodge - Up to 40% off when using code TEACHER. Must be booked by May 14, dates include May 10 - Sept. 21Firehouse Subs - Teachers throughout the U.S. can get a free medium sub with the purchase of an additional medium or large sub, chips and drink with a valid ID badge. (May 8-12)Sonic is offering teachers using the company's app a free cheeseburger with additional purchase for those in their Teachers' Circle reward program. Staples Teachers get $30 back in rewards when they spend $100 or more (May 7-13)$15 off signs, banners and...

In third season with team, Kayla McBride in Lynx’s training camp for first time

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

Lynx guard Rachel Banham told reporters Monday there was a weird element to Monday’s training camp practice — Kayla McBride was there.McBride is entering her third season as a member of the Lynx, but Monday marked the 30-year-old sharpshooter’s first official participation in training camp. In past years, McBride’s overseas season went so long they forced late arrivals for the veteran guard.McBride got to Minnesota essentially just in time for the Lynx’s season opener in 2021, and last season McBride joined the team mid-road trip after missing the squad’s first four games — all losses.But the schedule better aligned for McBride and the Lynx this season. McBride still guided her European team to EuroLeague and Turkish League titles and managed to get a few days off in between seasons before taking part in training camp Monday.Lynx coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve noted it’s reporters who continually remind the coach that Mc...

St. Cloud man charged with assault, kidnapping in Cottage Grove case involving 11-month-old baby

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

A man armed with a handgun forced his way into his ex-girlfriend’s house in Cottage Grove on Saturday night, threatened to kill her, assaulted her and then kidnapped their infant son, police said.Police rescued the 11-month-old boy when they arrested the man on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis and took the baby to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where he was held overnight for “observation to ensure discovered injuries were not life-threatening,” according to a news release from the Cottage Grove Department of Public Safety.The boy’s father, Charles E. Hollins, 41, of St. Cloud, has been charged in Washington County District Court with kidnapping, first-degree burglary and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He was being held Monday in the Washington County Jail in Stillwater.The assault and kidnapping happened around 9:20 p.m. Saturday in the 6500 block of Jody Avenue South, according to police reports. That’s when a woman called 911 to report that she was ...

38 displaced after suspected arson at St. Paul apartment building

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

After 38 people were displaced from a suspected apartment building arson in St. Paul, work was underway Monday to relocate people to other residences, according to the American Red Cross and the property management company.Firefighters were called to the North End building about 10:15 p.m. Sunday. A fire extended from the first floor and affected all three floors of 1551 Albemarle St., which is part of Lamplighter Village Apartments.One person and a firefighter sustained non-life threatening injuries, said Deputy Fire Chief Roy Mokosso. Fire crews were on the scene for more than five hours. The fire and police departments are investigating.A shelter for apartment residents who were displaced was temporarily set up at Arlington Hills Lutheran Church, according to the Red Cross. Stuart Co. is relocating residents to other buildings in Lamplighter Village or nearby buildings also owned by the company, said CEO Lisa Moe.The Red Cross says they’re always looking for volunteers for ...

NYSP: Former employee attempts to steal from Clifton Park business

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On Saturday, William Jordan, 57, of Salem, was arrested for Forgery, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Attempted Grand Larceny, and Petit Larceny. The arrest was made after police investigated a complaint from a business owner that someone had used an unauthorized check to try and take money out of the company's bank account. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Police say Jordan used a fraudulent check that he stole from the company without permission. Jordan forged the check for over $11,000 and attempted to deposit the funds into another account. No funds were released.Jordan surrendered himself to State Police in Clifton Park. He was released with a ticket returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on May 18.

Ben Folds coming to Troy Music Hall

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall announced that they will be hosting singer-songwriter Ben Folds. The performance is scheduled for September 30. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Hailing from North Carolina, Folds first stepped into the limelight with his group Ben Folds Five, whose sharp spin on piano pop contributed to the shaping of the 1990s era of alternative rock. Folds began his solo career in the early 2000s, and has released several acclaimed albums that have distinguished him as a progressive and multitalented songwriter. Folds has a New York Times best-selling memoir titled A Dream About Lightning Bugs, and is the host of the Lightning Bugs podcast, an interview series on creativity with famous guests such as Sara Bareilles, Rainn Wilson, Jon Batiste, and Bob Saget. He also serves as the artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. Capital Pride Parade and ...

Experts review education in NYS Budget

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- With the state budget now finalized, experts are taking a closer look at how funding will impact education. Governor Hochul’s initial budget proposal included lifting the cap on charter schools and increasing SUNY and CUNY tuition annually by three percent and by six percent at larger campuses over the next five years. "That adds up to a 50% increase over those five years. That’s a lot. That’s a big increase and we were very pleased that the legislature saw that as the wrong way to go, but they didn’t just say 'no' to tuition increase. They fought for funding and operating aid," said Fred Kowal, President of United University Professions. New York State invests $5M into local arts centers "Well, overall, I feel very good," said Senator Shelley Mayer who is Chair of the Education Committee. Mayer pointed to many successes in this year's budget: the expansion of full day pre-k to districts outside of New York City and providing free school meals for more scho...

Boat inspections get a state boost in fight against invasives

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:10:36 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Invasive animal and plant species threaten the natural balance of the Adirondack Park - or any ecosystem. On Monday, the Department of Environmental Conservation announced a $13.24 million move to protect the Adirondack watershed. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The deal at hand is a five-year partnership between the state and the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI), run by Paul Smith's College. The AWI is set to become the next pair of hands behind the wheel of the Adirondack Park Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP), which has inspected more than half a million boats since its inception. The program's goal is to keep unwanted lifeforms from invading Adirondack lakes and streams."This important partnership with the DEC has led to measurable changes in our region over the past five years, including more boaters engaging in ‘clean-drain-dry’ practices, reduced threats of invasive species from...