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Biden Taking Heat Over Student Debt Relief Promise

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Biden Taking Heat Over Student Loans Debt Relief Promise

President Joe Biden touted his plan to cancel billions of dollars in student debt in the days and weeks leading up to the midterm elections as he rallied young people to support Democrats.

However, the entire initiative is now in jeopardy due to legal challenges that could mean no one receives a single dollar of debt relief. The saga is quickly becoming a headache for the administration rather than an example of how the president keeps his promises to voters.

Even though two federal courts have blocked the program’s implementation, the White House remains confident that it will prevail. However, the setbacks have alarmed supporters, who are concerned that more than 40 million Americans who expected relief will instead be billed for their student debt in January when a pandemic-era payment moratorium is set to expire.

“You can’t ask people to start repaying on a debt that shouldn’t exist,” said Melissa Byrne, a loan cancellation advocate. “We bear no responsibility for this broken system.”

The impasse has put the White House in a bind over whether to extend the moratorium if the legal battle drags on, even though Biden has stated that the pandemic, which was the original reason for the payment pause, “is over.”

Student loan

Student Loan Plan Nightmare

According to the Government Accountability Office, the freeze has already cost the federal government more than $100 billion in lost revenue. Critics such as the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget are concerned that another extension will worsen inflation and increase the risk of a recession.

Republicans oppose the cancellation as an unfair handout to the wealthy, arguing that Americans who did not attend college will also bear the cost. Conservatives have launched a legal barrage against Biden’s student loan plan, claiming it exceeds the president’s authority.

Meanwhile, borrowers across the country are once again facing uncertainty. Biden’s plan would cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those earning less than $125,000 or households earning less than $250,000. An estimated 20 million people were eligible to have their federal student debt cancelled entirely. Those who receive Pell Grants, typically given to those with lower incomes, would be eligible for an additional $10,000 in debt forgiveness.

Now, it’s unclear whether borrowers will be expected to make debt payments when the pause ends, and the political risks are increasing. Support from 43 million borrowers who have been promised at least some debt relief is at stake, including millions of younger Americans, a demographic that helped Democrats won key victories last week.

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Anger directed at the Biden administration

Adwoa Asante, eligible for a $20,000 cancellation, stated that her payments would be “destabilizing” if they resumed in January. The Dallas lawyer, 33, owes $163,000 in law school debt, with monthly bills of up to $2,000.

Asante supported Biden but criticized him for reaping the benefits of his plan during the midterm elections while leaving borrowers out in the cold.

“To be honest, there’s a lot of anger directed at the Biden administration.” “I think they expected legal challenges to the student loan cancellation,” she said, calling the court challenges “to be expected.”

Cedric Richmond, a former White House official now a senior adviser to the Democratic National Committee, believes Biden will face no political consequences if the program is ultimately blocked.

If the program is eventually halted, “the blowback should go exactly where it deserves, and that’s with this rogue Supreme Court,” he said.

According to an AP VoteCast poll of more than 94,000 voters, roughly 6 in 10 voters under 45 approve of Biden’s handling of student debt. Voters were nearly evenly divided on the issue, with Democrats far more likely to approve than Republicans.

Studen loan

The legality of mass student loan forgiveness

Out of an estimated 43 million eligible people, nearly 26 million have already applied for debt relief. The Education Department ceased accepting new applications on Friday after a federal judge in Texas ruled against the plan.

On November 3, in New Mexico, Biden stated that he was on solid legal ground.

“We’re going to court,” he explained. We’re not going to let them get away with it.”

According to advocates, many borrowers will likely default on their student loans without the promised relief. According to a report released Tuesday, nearly half of borrowers polled by the Student Debt Crisis Center believe they cannot afford student debt payments within six months.

“Borrowers do not believe the pandemic is over, nor do they believe the economic consequences are over,” said Natalia Abrams, president of the centre. “We must put payments on hold until all legal issues are resolved.”

From the start, the legality of mass student debt forgiveness was questioned. After being elected, Biden stated that it would be preferable if the legislation came from Congress. Soon before leaving office, the Trump administration issued a memo concluding that the White House lacks broad cancellation authority.

student loans

White House erred in its Legal Reasoning.

Supporters believe Biden’s plan will survive, despite predictions that it will be heard by a Supreme Court that has shifted to the right and limited Biden’s authority in other cases. They claim that the Higher Education Act, a massive federal statute, already gives the president broad authority to cancel federal student debt.

Some groups believe Biden should use other legal means to fulfill his promise. The Debt Collective, a borrowers’ union, urges Biden to cancel debt immediately by invoking the Higher Education Act, the same legal authority first suggested by supporters such as Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren.

“He has an ace up his sleeve that he hasn’t used,” said Braxton Brewington, a collective spokesperson. “The Biden administration should avoid these lawsuits entirely.”

Some legal experts believe Biden should abandon his current strategy and start over. Jed Shugerman, a law professor at New York’s Fordham University, believes the White House erred in its legal reasoning.

“The Biden administration has run into predictable trouble,” he said. “They should start from scratch.”

Even though it would take time, Shugerman believes waiting for a Supreme Court decision is preferable. He claimed that the White House is “sticking to a sure loser” rather than “changing tracks to something that has a better chance.”

Source: AP, VOR News

Geoff Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

Celebrity

Inside The Met Gala: A Fairytale Forest, Woodland Creatures, And Some Starstruck First-Timers

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AP News - VOR News Image

NEW YORK  — James Corden casually held his arms up as if he owned the Metropolitan Museum of Art while strolling through the hallways heading to cocktails. Joking around with Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sánchez, who happened to be strolling behind him, he remarked, pointing to the priceless artwork on the walls. “Let me know if you want me to talk you through any of this.”

Corden, like many celebs, regularly attends the Met Gala; it was all in good humor.

And then there are the novices. No matter how well-known they are in their industry, these guests frequently express awe at the concentration of notoriety around them and some nervousness akin to a child attending a new school.

Consider Stray Kids. The eight members of the K-pop group showed up for their first gala together, each wearing a distinct combination of red, navy, and white that designer Tommy Hilfiger had created. After climbing the magnificent internal staircase to enter the museum, they went to the receiving queue and proceeded to the drink area, where they claimed to have gradually begun to unwind.

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AP News – VOR News Image

Inside The Met Gala: A Fairytale Forest, Woodland Creatures, And Some Starstruck First-Timers

“At first, we were anxious,” band member Bang Chan admitted. Felix, the bandmate, said, “We had no idea who we would meet or what to expect.” However, they were getting along well and had previously had conversations with Steven Yeun, Chris Hemsworth, and Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons.

The star of “The Bear,” Ayo Edebiri, was also present. She had won numerous honors this year and was attending her first gala. After welcoming hosts Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Hemsworth, and Anna Wintour at the top of the staircase, she appeared to be nearly out of breath.

She exclaimed, “I’m really, really, really excited to be here.” “This is yet another truly lovely thing that I will make an effort to keep in mind.”

The accompanying exhibit for the event was titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” but it wasn’t really about our beloved Princess Aurora. Instead, the goal was to draw attention to and shed light on delicate clothing items from the museum’s collection that were being “awakened” to the public. Nevertheless, the museum fully embraced the fantasy atmosphere.

Guests passed a massive centerpiece that stood 32 feet tall and symbolized a “whimsical tree” as they entered the Great Hall. Over a forest-like undergrowth with twisted branches that resembled the vegetation Sleeping Beauty’s prince had to cut through to give her a genuine love kiss, enormous green fabric flowers began to blossom. Following that, guests were treated to a live string orchestra and a scene that included actors dressed as forest animals playing in tights and tunics.

galaAP News - VOR News Image

AP News – VOR News Image

Inside The Met Gala: A Fairytale Forest, Woodland Creatures, And Some Starstruck First-Timers

When asked if they would rather see the exhibit or go to the cocktails, most guests opted for the latter. However, a few people attended the event, which was a multi-sensory fashion experience that included touch, smell, sound, and sight. Lena Waithe was “just blown away by the work that I’m seeing” after spending some alone time reviewing the clothing.

Like many others, the actor/producer continued, she finds fashion lighthearted and enjoyable. She remarked, “But then I come here and am reminded that it’s an art form.” She also brought up a comment made by Meryl Streep, who played a role akin to Wintour, to Anne Hathaway in “The Devil Wears Prada,” regarding how our wardrobe choices are predetermined. Waithe stated, “I think we need to be reminded of that, that people who are long gone influence our style.”

After spending the evening away from childcare, late-night host Meyers, who was at the event with his wife, commented that it was a pleasant respite. He also playfully questioned why his children, who are 2, 6, and 8 years old, weren’t invited. Meyers joked, “I think it’s very rude that Vogue didn’t invite them.” This place is kid-friendly. Additionally, they excel at keeping their hands off objects.

Meyers claimed that meeting “a lot of people that I’m a fan of, or have interviewed on the show,” was his favorite part of the evening. Regarding style, however, he prefers to play things safe, saying that “nobody wants a guy like me taking a big swing.” I remain in my lane.

Because Wintour is such a theater enthusiast, a sizable Broadway contingent typically exists at the Met Gala. Jonathan Groff, who was nominated for a Tony Award for “Merrily We Roll Along,” laughed and joked at this gala with fellow “Glee” alum and “Funny Girl” actor Lea Michele. Michele is expecting her second child and looks stunning in baby blue Rodarte. Groff reminisced about other Met Gala appearances, such as one in which he performed the television series “Hair” and another in which Beyoncé appeared and sang her song “Lemonade,” which had just been released a week prior. That was epic, he recalled.

Her clothing scraped the floor with an equally unique sound as Sánchez and Bezos walked through the display. “You won’t be lost,” Bezos said in jest. Sánchez claimed that when she initially tried on the striking design by Oscar de la Renta’s Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, she had started crying. The flowing skirt was intended to mimic Tiffany’s glass with pearl and mirror appliques.

gala

AP News – VOR News Image

Inside The Met Gala: A Fairytale Forest, Woodland Creatures, And Some Starstruck First-Timers

Sánchez said, “Use my dress if you need a mirror.” She continued by saying that she believed the outfit represented life, in which everything is somewhat shattered, and what you do with the parts determines the outcome. She also mentioned trying the dress on for Bezos, crying as she said. “He told me I had never looked so beautiful,” she remarked.

Interesting fact: according to Sánchez, Garcia had informed her he needed to get a part from Amazon in order to mend the outfit.

How do you obtain meals for hundreds of chit-chatting celebs around the museum? The organizers have made several attempts. It was a group of buglers one year. In a different year, Jon Batiste led a band snapping across the audience with his melodica. David Byrne did the honors last year. A massive choir with dancers accompanying them performed original song “Future of Us” on Monday. “To dinner!” was yelled by the performers as a bell sounded. The throng then moved slowly to the Temple of Dendur, where tables with “enchanted candelabras entwined with flower arrangements” maintained the fairytale theme.

SOURCE – (AP)

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Fashion

Elevate Your Style: Unveiling the Timeless Charm of 1930s Mens Fashion

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Elevate Your Style Unveiling the Timeless Charm of 1930s Mens Fashion

Undoubtedly, the 1930s Mens Fashion was the sharpest era for male fashion, with sleek, elegant outfits that oozed style. However, the Great Depression significantly impacted men’s fashion in the 30s, not just cigars and evening wear. The following are some of the most stylish looks of this decade and how you can adapt them to your needs.

With the Wall Street Crash of 1929 leading to the Great Depression, the lack of money could be seen in fashion, as demonstrated in films such as It Happened One Night and Bonnie and Clyde.

For Hollywood and the rich, bigger was better when it came to attire. Double-breasted suits, full-cut trousers, and tuxedos were the standard of what a gentleman should wear in the 1930s.

1930s Mens Fashion: Retro, Gangster, And Hollywood-Esque

It is undeniable that the Great Depression had a substantial impact on men’s fashion. The somber, double-breasted suit of the 30s was a far cry from the flashy style of the roaring 20s.

In spite of the hardships of the time, formal wear made a quick return. However, the availability of newer, cheaper materials made suits more affordable. Sweaters and trousers became more widespread (especially among middle-class families), while useful clothes such as coats became common.

When the economy recovered from the economic crisis, some brighter colors returned to summer fashion once again. Later in the decade, blended and synthetic fabrics made clothing more affordable for many who preferred practicality and comfort over the “all-over-the-place” aesthetic of the 20s.

Highlights Of 1930s Mens Fashion

The Drape Suit

During the 1930s, the classic V-cut suit was very popular due to its imposing silhouette, broad shoulders and long drapes, as well as its softer material that allowed for a great deal of freedom of movement.

Accessories

Due to the popularity of fedoras during the decade, top hats were still sometimes worn on formal occasions. The vibrant colors of the previous decade were replaced with statement pieces, such as wide, colorful neckties. Loafers and brogues were the footwear of choice—fashion choices that are still very popular today.

Here is a look at 1930s Mens Fashion

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1930s mens fashion

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1930s mens fashion

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1930s mens fashion

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George Melly, Soho Jazz Festival, London, 1993.

VOR News

1930s mens fashion

During the 1930s, men’s fashion experienced a convergence of style and resilience, navigating the Great Depression with practical yet refined ensembles. In addition to the iconic drape suit, statement accessories like fedoras and wide neckties shaped the era’s aesthetic, combining elegance with flexibility.

Following the onset of economic recovery, a gradual return to color and advances in fabric technology reflected an increasing optimism. There is no doubt that 1930s men’s fashion has left an enduring legacy of sophistication and innovation as a testament to creativity thriving despite adversity.

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Business

Luxury Jewelry Maker Cartier Doesn’t Give Stuff Away, But They Pretty Much Did For One Man In Mexico

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Global - VOR News Image

MEXICO CITY — Cartier, the luxury jewelry brand, is not known for giving out gifts, but in the case of one Mexican guy, they pretty much did.

Rogelio Villarreal was browsing Cartier’s website when he stumbled upon an offer that appeared too good to be true. “I broke out in a cold sweat,” he posted on his X account, previously known as Twitter.

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Ny Post – VOR News Image

Luxury Jewelry Maker Cartier Doesn’t Give Stuff Away, But They Pretty Much Did For One Man In Mexico

Cartier made a mistake and advertised gold-and-diamond earrings for 237 pesos ($14) rather than the exact price of 237,000 pesos ($14,000). Villarreal ordered two sets.

What ensued was months of back-and-forth, during which he claimed Cartier offered him a consolation gift instead of the jewelry, and Mexican officials supported his argument that the corporation should uphold the listed price.

Villarreal eventually received the earrings last week at his price, and he posted a video online of himself unwrapping them. But he quickly grew tired of the public attention, realizing that not all that glitters is gold, and posted on Monday, “Alright already, talk about something else, I’m tired of the earrings being the only thing anyone knows about my personality.”

Villarreal’s case had become a lightning rod online during a particularly polarizing period in Mexico, ahead of the June 2 presidential elections.

Some onlookers chastised Villarreal for taking advantage of what they perceived as a genuine error by the high-end jewelry manufacturer. Some claimed he should return the earrings or pay taxes on them. Some called him a thief.

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Luxury Jewelry Maker Cartier Doesn’t Give Stuff Away, But They Pretty Much Did For One Man In Mexico

Villarreal, a doctor doing his medical residency, claimed he had to fight for months to get the company to deliver and that it offered to give him a bottle of champagne instead.

The corporation did not reply to inquiries for comment.

“I have the worst luck in the world, and I’ve never made any money, and what I do have is because I bought it,” Villarreal posted on social media. However, he could now purchase two $14,000 sets of earrings for only around $28.

He says he gave one of them to his mom.

“It feels great and it’s cool not to be the underdog for once in my life,” Villarreal said.

Profeco’s representative, Jesús Montaño, validated Villarreal’s account of his struggle.

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Ebay – VOR News Image

Luxury Jewelry Maker Cartier Doesn’t Give Stuff Away, But They Pretty Much Did For One Man In Mexico

“He filed a complaint in December,” Montaño explained. “There is a conciliation hearing scheduled for May 3, but the consumer already received his purchase.”

When asked about ethics, Montaño stated that corporations “have to respect the published price.” If an error occurs, “it’s not the consumer’s fault.”

SOURCE – (AP)

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