Biden Administration Announces More Student Loan Forgiveness | NPR News Now

After a string of controversial Supreme Court rulings, many are calling for reform to counter what they see as the court’s increasingly partisan bent. But if we were to reform the court, could we do it without making it more partisan?

In a powerful episode of NPR News Now, Windsor Johnston, Linda Fasulo, and Anya van Wagtendonk engage listeners with pressing global and local events that shape our world. From the heart of the American automotive sector's labor disputes to the political controversies in Wisconsin, this episode probes into the struggle for rights, the fight for leadership, and the aftermath of natural disasters with a depth that underscores the everyday human experiences behind these stories.

The episode foregrounds the remarkable unity among 13,000 United Auto Workers as they take a stand against corporate giants Ford, GM, and Stellantis, demanding better wages that reflect their contributions and fulfill their needs for a dignified livelihood. Meanwhile, halfway across the world, NPR News Now shifts gears to delineate the urgent humanitarian crisis in Libya, where Linda Fasulo brings to light the United Nations’ appeal for aid in the wake of destructive flooding. As communities come together in times of strife and upheaval, whether on the picket lines in Toledo or amidst the ruins in Libya, this podcast illuminates the enduring human spirit and resilience.

Embark on a compelling journey across global hotspots and domestic squabbles with NPR News Now, as Kristin Wright leads a team of correspondents, including Chuck Quirmbach, Jeff Mandell, and Stephan Bisaha, through a series of pressing issues. Discover the sobering reality of Gaza's failing health system as reported by the World Health Organization, and find a shard of hope in the potential ceasefire between the embattled Hamas and Israel. Simultaneously, cope with the devastating effects of natural disasters, as torrential rains exacerbate the suffering of those in already precarious living conditions.

Switch gears to internal matters with a dive into the heart of Wisconsin's Supreme Court, where the future representation of voters hangs in the balance, a topic explored by Quirmbach and debated by Mandell. As the lens widens, absorb the economic trends pulsing through the auto industry, where Bisaha sheds light on Nissan's preemptive wage raises, a stance echoing throughout the sector's giants as they navigate unionization and worker compensation. And at sea, witness Wright's account of a harrowing Navy aircraft incident near Honolulu, adding an element of human endurance against nature’s unpredictable challenges.

Millions are cheering President Biden’s plan to forgive hundreds of billions of dollars in student debt—while others call it unfair, illegal, or inadequate. Here’s what you need to know about who’s eligible for debt relief, how to get it, and why some are criticizing it.

More than 43 million US students leave college with federal student loan debt—a crushing burden that forces many to forego buying homes and delay key life milestones like having children. President Joe Biden’s income-driven student loan repayment program, SAVE, aims to bring borrowers relief by lowering monthly payments, reducing interest accrual, and speeding up loan forgiveness.

The end of the federal student loan payment pause on October 1 could significantly impact borrowers’ personal finances, spending, and the broader US economy. The long-term burden of student loan debt is expected to influence major life decisions for millions of borrowers, including homeownership, family planning, and retirement savings.

Dive into the pulse of American politics with "NPR News Now," where this episode, featuring Kristin Wright, Sarah McCammon, and others, delves into the significant role abortion rights played in the 2023 elections. As states like Kentucky and Ohio take decisive action to protect reproductive freedoms, the narrative unfolds a potentially transformative moment for voter priorities and party platforms. Wright's coverage of Kentucky's gubernatorial race illustrates this shift, where a pro-choice stance contributed to electoral victory, suggesting a wider acceptance of abortion rights' centrality to political success.

In parallel, the episode addresses the continued Republican leadership in Mississippi and the evolving US stance on international conflicts, as described by Jason Rosenbaum's analysis of Representative Cori Bush's advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza. At the intersection of domestic and global policy, controversies such as Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib's remarks spur heated debates over free speech and political conduct. "NPR News Now" invites listeners to a comprehensive examination of how these domestic developments and foreign policy initiatives echo through the halls of governance and across the nation's moral and ethical landscape.

Dive into a poignant exploration of a pivotal Supreme Court decision in "The Daily," where hosts Michael Barbaro and Margot Sanger-Katz expose the unexpected consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade. In a meticulous scrutiny that shakes preconceived notions, they reveal a counterintuitive trend: the annulment did not cause a decline in abortion rates but instead prompted a slight uptick. The podcast unfolds a nuanced account of how women's resilience and ingenuity are reshaping the landscape of reproductive rights across America, spotlighting the dramatic disparities in birth rates between states with strict bans and those without.

As women navigate the post-Roe world, Barbaro and Sanger-Katz delve into new terrain marked by cross-state travel for legal abortion services, the rise of telehealth, and the proliferation of digital clinics offering mail-order abortion pills. These transformative solutions, mirroring tech startup models, reflect the intersection of policy shifts and entrepreneurial spirit. "The Daily" casts light not only on current legislative trends that may herald future increases in abortion access but also underscores the profound contributions of their behind-the-scenes team. This episode serves as a testament to the ongoing evolution of abortion access and a reflection of the broader political landscape ahead of significant elections.

Dive into the complexities of global and domestic affairs in this riveting episode of NPR News Now, featuring prominent voices such as Korva Coleman and Michele Kellerman. World leaders grapple with the harrowing escalation in Gaza as the U.N. Secretary-General makes an unconventional appeal to the international community for intervention. Hear how the suffocating humanitarian crisis unfolds, with hospitals – the bastions of health and safety – succumbing to the pressures of prolonged conflict, potentially leaving countless Gaza civilians in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, on the home front, NPR News Now navigates the turbulent waters of U.S. politics and policy with contributions from individuals like Chuck Schumer and Marsha Blackburn. Listen as the contentious debate on foreign aid meets the powerful force of immigration reform proposals, revealing deep-rooted disputes and political maneuvering in Congress. Moreover, don't miss the poignant coverage of the personal and legal strife faced by Texans under restrictive abortion laws, brought to life through the experiences of Kate Cox and the advocacy of Molly Duane. This episode is a powerful testament to the interwoven challenges of national security, human rights, and public safety.