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VP Kamala Harris says she plans to 'earn and win' Democratic nomination after Joe Biden drops out and endorses her; New Alabama bill threatens voter rights, legal challenge ensues; Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants; Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath.

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President Joe Biden drops his 2024 re-election bid. He's endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot on the ticket, and election experts say they see benefits to this decision.

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It's grass-cutting season and with it, rural lawn mower races, Montana's drive-thru blood project is easing shortages, rural Americans spend more on food when transportation costs are tallied, and a lack of good childcare is thwarting rural business owners.

Crucial deadline approaches for AL student loan borrowers

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Friday, February 23, 2024   

Student loan borrowers in Alabama and across the country have a chance to slash their college debt or see it disappear entirely.

The U.S. Department of Education said it will conduct a one-time "payment count adjustment" this summer. It would provide borrowers credit toward loan cancellation through the Income Driven Repayment program for repayment periods from July 1, 1994.

Cora Hume, attorney for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, said historically, borrowers of all ages have struggled to access the benefit.

"It's really important that they do, because it can lower their monthly payments based on their income and family size," Hume pointed out. "This April 30 deadline applies to some loans."

Hume urged borrowers to find out what types of loans they have and take the necessary steps. She said borrowers who have nonfederal loans must consolidate them into a direct-consolidation loan with the U.S. Department of Education by April 30 to reap the potential benefits.

In Alabama, most debt belongs to people ages 25 to 35, owing an average of more than $33,000.

Hume noted almost one-third of older borrowers are still struggling to pay student debt. She added nationally, more than 1 million senior citizens are not in the direct-loan program and hold an average of more than $29,000 in debt from their college days.

"The three loans that must be consolidated to receive this payment count adjustment are the commercially managed Federal Family Education Loan, Health Education Assistance loans and Perkins loans," Hume outlined. "Another loan that's sort of a 'quasi' for consolidation are Parent PLUS loans."

Hume added the upcoming deadline has the potential to change lives and suggested taking action sooner rather than later. People can call 800-433-3243 or look online at StudentAid.gov/loan-consolidation to find out if they are eligible for the adjustment.


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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a political event in Grand Rapids, Mich., in early 2024. (The White House/Wikimedia Commons)

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